HZPC potato seed supplier is barometer for the future

HZPC, a Dutch supplier of innovative potato varieties that are optimized for local growing conditions, is the largest seed potato supplier worldwide. As such, its forecast for the current fiscal year provides insights into the global situation.

In a May 5, 2022 news release, the company says, “Despite the fact that the conflict in Ukraine is affecting HZPC’s sales, HZPC is keeping its profit forecast intact after three quarters in the 2021-2022 financial year.” The fiscal year ends June 30, 2022.

Gerard Backx, CEO, HZPC reported: The war in Ukraine has a big influence on the prices of several products and with that the choice of many growers, especially in Europe. After the second quarter, it was clear that potato growers in Europe are somewhat reluctant to plant potatoes for harvest 2022 as a result of the higher prices of other major agricultural products. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, sales of seed potatoes in Europe have been stagnant. Nearly no additional sales have been realized or the additional sales compensating for cancelled orders. In normal years, we always realize a few per cent of the European sales in the months of March and April. Those are missing this year.”