We are witnessing a kind of transitional period in the plant-based sector. At the same time, we are observing different, and at first glance perhaps even contradictory, trends and tendencies.

Sugar is still in great demand. Paper manufacturers are returning to the market and to intensive operations, ordering large quantities of Native Potato Starch, and in selected regions also Native Corn Starch. These two products have generally been in high demand recently.

Simultaneously, many market participants have become window shoppers (which is strange, since we do not display our products in any window). There are many inquiries about prices, available quantities, and specifications, but in many cases that’s about it. Most likely, potential buyers want to wait and see how inflation will develop and what the upcoming harvest will be like. Is that really the best strategy? We will wait and see.

Native Starches

We receive requests for Native Potato Starch in large quantities, primarily from paper manufacturers and the meat industry. Native Corn Starch is also attracting interest. Some are looking for the product in big bags, which is not typical for this commodity. Native Tapioca Starch has been gaining popularity in recent months and is in increasing demand. Due to its unique properties, the product is used in the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the production of paper and adhesives, among others. The main production centers are located in Vietnam and Thailand.

Modified Starches

There is a lot going on in the Modified Starches market, although trading is not as intense as it was in November, for example. The price of Modified Corn Starch is not falling because the market is experiencing shortages due to problems with the availability of the raw material (Waxy Corn Starch). We receive numerous inquiries for Modified Potato Starch, especially E1442 and E1414. For Modified Wheat Starch, the big challenge is to match the sellers’ offerings with the expectations of potential buyers who are looking for a specific variety.

Proteins

People are looking for Vital Wheat Gluten. Or at least for its prices because many have not contracted recently. The price on the market is strongly approaching the level of production costs. Undoubtedly, many players are waiting for developments after the next harvest (after which some predict an oversupply until the next harvest). The fluctuations in global price levels are due in part to uncertainty about the outcome of the grain corridor talks. After a period of low activity in Corn Gluten Meal, demand is strong. The price has stabilized, and we even hear that some producers have started to raise it. One producer has closed his factory for 30 days to do maintenance, so supply will be lower. As for Potato Protein, only offers with the lowest price are of interest, the cheaper, the more interesting (which is not surprising). We are receiving requests for the organic type of Rice Protein.

Sweeteners

Recent reports of heavy metal contamination in beverages in the United States indicate that in the near future, even more emphasis will be placed on the quality of raw materials used in manufacturing. Sweeteners are also among the products where more people are asking about prices than contracting. It is likely that many are concerned about inflation and prefer to wait until consumers start buying more before acting more intensively themselves. Nevertheless, the demand for Sugar is obviously high. The price of European Dextrose has fallen almost to the level of the Chinese price, reflecting lower demand for the product in general. What are the reasons for this? It seems we need a little more time to determine this clearly.

What else?

Europe

The European Commission has decided to restrict imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower

The regulations affect Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria. They will be in effect until June 5. As a result of the European Commission’s regulations, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria have lifted their unilateral import bans, introduced because of the need to protect their farmers. Romania had not previously banned imports from Ukraine.

Cucumbers and olive oil are king in the UK

However, not in the way we would like. And certainly not in the way consumers would like. Cucumbers and olive oil are among the products that saw the largest year-over-year percentage price increases in March. The price of cucumbers rose 52% in the 12 months ending in March, while olive oil was up 49%. It was followed (not very honorably) by Swiss-type cheese, up 44%, and cheddar, up 42%.

Moldova will not ban the import of agricultural products from Ukraine

The country has decided not to join the restrictions imposed in Europe on the import of grain and oil seeds from Ukraine. Government officials are convinced that the introduction of restrictions would not have a positive impact – neither would Moldovan farmers’ profits increase, nor would their production costs decrease. Moreover, there would be a risk that restrictions would be introduced on imports of Moldovan products into Ukraine.

The Americas

Argentina is struggling with the effects of drought

The drought in Argentina has been one of the most discussed topics in the plant-based sector in recent months. Since Argentina is the world’s leading exporter of processed soybeans, as well as a major supplier of corn and wheat, the impact of the element could be severe for literally everyone. This season’s soybean and corn harvests could be half of what they were in the previous cycle. Attempts are being made to counteract or mitigate the effects. The Argentine government has announced the approval of a $394 million loan for irrigation projects.

Farmers from the American plains are bracing for a historically poor winter wheat crop

After a three-year drought, farmers are expecting the worst. Some predict they will have to abandon more than 80% of their wheat acres and that the crop will be minimal. Last week’s rains came too late to provide critical help to crops in western Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. In addition, the situation was exacerbated by high winds that sandblasted dry fields in many areas. The poor harvest for one of the world’s largest wheat exporters adds to concerns about global food security.

Venezuela’s food crisis could get worse

A fungus that infects bananas and causes them to wither is spreading dynamically. It is transmitted through infected soil. In a country that recorded inflation of 471% in April and where nearly 23% of citizens suffer from hunger, bananas have been an excellent, relatively cheap source of energy, carbohydrates and sugar and, of course, profits for farmers. Losing part of the crop to a rampant fungus could have disastrous consequences. Experts do not have good news: The only way to effectively combat the fungus is to switch to crops that are resistant to it.

Asia & Oceania

China has approved the safety of its first genetically modified crop

The soybean, developed by private company Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology Co, Ltd, has two modified genes that increase levels of healthy fat, oleic acid. This is not a modification in which foreign genes are added to the organism, but only existing genes are changed, which certainly facilitated the safety certification. The certification is valid for five years. Does the use of a different technology mean that it is a genetic modification of a genetic modification?

Record low green kiwi harvest in New Zealand

The four horsemen of the apocalypse: a warm winter, a late frost last October, cyclones in January and February, and hail in April this year have resulted in severe crop losses in the country. As a result, the upcoming kiwi crop will be the lowest in 20 years, according to current forecasts. As a result, some growers will not make money as they have suffered partial or even total crop failures.

High rice production in Asia

All indications are that Asian countries will have high rice production this year. Higher prices are encouraging farmers to increase their cultivated areas and use more fertilizer. This is excellent news, following last year’s first decline in seven years and concerns about the size of next season’s supply. High crop yields are expected in India, Thailand and Pakistan, among other countries. Good news is always good news (innovative observation, right?)!