Blue poppy seeds: Lucrative demand in Germany
March 10, 2017 at 11:17 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
The success story continues in Germany
Exports from the Czech Republic to Germany have steadily increased over the last ten years. Contrary to this Turkey has lost its position as top supplier for Germany. Prices in Turkey have currently dropped to levels not seen since 2011/12. The highest prices were seen in Spring 2008 when the prices offer in the Czech Republic climbed to 4,300 EUR/mt DDP Germany and in Turkey to 4,825 EUR/mt CFR Hamburg.
Poppy seed imports to Germany in mt |
|||
country |
2006 |
2011 |
2016 |
Czech Republic |
1,410 |
2,654 |
3,206 |
Netherlands |
540 |
1,398 |
1,606 |
China |
18 |
286 |
799 |
Austria |
454 |
1,387 |
659 |
Turkey |
3,082 |
759 |
470 |
Poland |
507 |
67 |
223 |
source: Federal Statistical Office |
Sowing is about to commence
The Czech Statistical Office estimates that last year’s poppy seed production reached 28,574 mt. Acreage amounted to 35,543 ha and the average yield was 0.80 mt/ha.
Low demand has caused prices to drop to 1,180 EUR/mt DDP Germany as the traders are now lowered their profit margins to attract customers. With sowing about to commence in the next few days the farmers will try everything to drive up the raw seed prices. Traders, however, expect acreage to be similar to last year, which will make it very difficult for them to increase prices.
Blue poppy seed prices |
|
origin |
EUR/mt |
Czech Republic, DDP Germany |
1,180 |
Turkey, CFR Hamburg |
1,760 |
Morphin <20 ppm |