Andalusia's acreage for the cultivation of new potatoes between 1999 and 2002 was of 23,000 hectares; however, since 2003, this acreage has kept dropping. In 2013, it reached the lowest level on record, with 10,826 hectares. "We believe that we touched rock-bottom last season and that it will now remain stable," says Javier Boceta, agronomist and spokesperson for Asociafruit.
The Andalusian new potato market is based on three pillars: firstly, the main one, which is export to other EU countries like Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium; secondly, the processing industry, as it is virtually impossible to market only fresh produce until June; and thirdly, which is the most unstable, the domestic market. The main problem with the latter, according to Boceta, is the competition with the cheaper and lower quality long-life potatoes.
"The campaign will mainly depend on the French levels of supply of cheap, low quality potatoes, which will compete with the more expensive to grow new potatoes," he explains. It will all depend on whether large retail chains will opt for the higher quality, domestic produce.
Most of the varieties cultivated are intended for export or the processing industry, as growers do not trust the domestic market, with the exception of a handful of food chains operating in Spain, especially in Galicia, committed to supporting and establishing growing programs.
From Asoafruit's point of view, "the main problem for the sector is the lack of knowledge amongst consumers regarding the differences between new potatoes and long-life potatoes in terms of quality. This is mostly the case in Spain, as in the rest of Europe, new potatoes are in high demand."
Spain, unlike other European countries, has the potential to produce new potatoes all year round, and its growers are not taking advantage of it.
Boceta also showed his satisfaction about the "Potato forum", organised by the sector and periodically attended by Fepex, the Ministry of Agriculture, supermarket chain associations, packers and operators at origin (Asociafruit, cooperatives, etc.). "It is truly positive, because for the first time in history, we are showing the willingness to give our sector some structure," he concludes.
Source: valenciafruits.com