At potato wholesaler A.C.Loogman in Amsterdam the import season has been going for a while. "At the moment we have Alpha's from Malta, Diamant from Cyprus and Nicola's from Israel, including small potatoes available," Christine Loogman says. "The volumes are still slightly small at the moment, because of the cold weather conditions, but supply and demand are reasonably in balance as it was up to now also rather cold here."
"I expect the demand for import potatoes to increase substantially in May. On
1 May the first supermarkets change to new potatoes. Up to now the old harvest was still reasonably good. When the weather is good then one only starts thinking of new potatoes" Christine continues. "Now we mainly pack the large sizes for the supermarkets, but also the better retailers know where to find us for the premier potatoes."
Cyprus March
According to the importer Nicola remains without doubt the most important variety of import potatoes. "For years already the Nicolas are number 1 with buyers and also this year they look very good again. Other important import varieties are Bellini, Vivaldi. Marabel and Annabelle.
Bellini
Christine will go to Portugal and Spain next week to see the cultivation there for herself. The first Spanish potatoes are expected by Loogman in the middle of May and at the end of May the Portuguese potatoes follow. At the moment Loogman have a test with Doré's in Portugal.
Nicola's in Spain
For years already A.C.Loogman also offer organic potatoes and the first container of organic Nicola's from Israel has already arrived in Amsterdam. "Sales of organic potatoes have been stable for years already. Now there is a big demand for a while, as only a small supply of 'old harvest' organic potatoes is available. I expect the season to end towards the middle of May" Christine concludes.
Bellini
Christine will go to Portugal and Spain next week to see the cultivation there for herself. The first Spanish potatoes are expected by Loogman in the middle of May and at the end of May the Portuguese potatoes follow. At the moment Loogman have a test with Doré's in Portugal.
Nicola's in Spain
For years already A.C.Loogman also offer organic potatoes and the first container of organic Nicola's from Israel has already arrived in Amsterdam. "Sales of organic potatoes have been stable for years already. Now there is a big demand for a while, as only a small supply of 'old harvest' organic potatoes is available. I expect the season to end towards the middle of May" Christine concludes.
Field Marabel in Portugal
For more information:
Christine Loogman
A.C. Loogman & ZN.
Food Center Amsterdam
4, Jan van Galenstraat
1051 KM Amsterdam
020 6823573
[email protected]
www.acloogman.nl
