"Less interest in new potatoes during Easter"

During Easter, there was less interest for the new harvest in the potato market than in other years. According to Jurgen Duthoo of Bart's Potato Company, more volumes were sold in other years. "This probably has something to do with the fact that a lot of 'old' harvest is still available on the market. Those are also of good quality, as well as being a lot cheaper. I think consumers preferred the old ones over the more expensive new harvest."

Interest in Poland
Bart's Potato Company mainly supplies 'own' harvest, but also imported potatoes, particularly from Israel and Egypt. "We certainly sold a few potatoes. Some of them went to the domestic market, and then there was the export to Eastern Europe. Poland was particularly interested in the new harvest. They show an interest every year, really. Easter is celebrated quite extensively there."

Smaller volumes
It's quiet on the market now as well. "We're feeling demand go down, which influences the new harvest prices. But all in all, the import season is going better than last year. Good prices are being made." For the export, he expects demand to go up further if the good weather continues. "If spring really breaks out, more consumers will eat new potatoes." The export of old harvest is also going quietly. "Some trucks have gone to Southern and Eastern Europe, but the volumes transported are smaller than normal during the month of April."

For more information:
Jurgen Duthoo
Bart's Potato Company
Westvleterenstraat 25a
8640, Vleteren, Belgium
Tel: +32 57 40 91 20
Fax: +32 57 40 91 21
www.lamaire.be