The prices, especially for the new potatoes, are high, explains Carsten Berger. “The prices for the new produce is relatively high while the older products have sold out.” The reason for the high price is the cold weather we had until a few weeks ago according to the potato dealer.
"Many potato plants had a bad start due to the long cold period, especially with temperatures below 10 degrees at night. Just a few potatoes have grown per plant. Compared to other years we have fewer potatoes, thus the prices are slightly more stable."
The time for import is over
The potato wholesaler does not import potatoes anymore: “We only deal in German products at the moment.” He gets his potatoes through his extensive network of suppliers and farmers all over Germany. "Our early potatoes come from Lower Saxony, the Burgdorfer area and from the Palatinate. At the moment following varieties Leyla, Linda, Annabelle, Cilena and Berber."
The wholesaler, which mainly supplies the supermarkets and street markets with his potatoes, doesn’t expect any improvement in the trade in the coming weeks.
Carsten Berger says: “On the whole the market won’t improve in the next few weeks. If the summer weather stays and you keep in mind that the holidays season starts soon, then the supply will increase and the demand will drop.” The surplus of potatoes will have a negative influence on the price.
Baltic Sea and North Sea improve the trade
Despite these prospects the potato wholesaler from Hamburg is not afraid. He knows: “Baltic Sea and North Sea improve the trade in Hamburg. Because of the holidays the business with hotels and restaurants is booming. The guests have to eat too.” Carsten Berger’s potatoes land on the plates of the tourists via the greengrocers and markets. "Those sales are already increasing and so far it has always helped us through the holiday season."
Carsten Berger Kartoffelhandel
Phone: +49 (0)40 337340
berger-kartoffeln@t-online.de
www.berger-kartoffeln.de