Nedato, the cooperative of Dutch potato growers, supplies potatoes to clients all over the world. In the course of its existence, more than 50 years now, Nedato has worked on improving the supplied potato quality.
Quality is in Nedato’s genes, from quality determination at growers and according payment, to variety selection and processing within the company. All these things have a big influence on the product that’s ultimately supplied. “Over the years, many improvements have been made, according to the latest insights and techniques. This has led to a large and loyal customer base in most European countries, the Middle East and Africa,” says Heero Gramsma of Nedato. “Last summer, we opted to convey this more clearly, by updating our branding, adding ‘Worldclass Potatoes’ to it. In order to further improve the quality of both the unwashed and the washed product, we completed a large project this summer, with adjustments in the sorting and packaging company.”
Less risk of damage
At the end of August, the new electronic clod separator started successfully. The installed Tomra FPS 2400 has worked well from the start, the organization says. “The machine operates directly upon receiving the potatoes, so that all clods and stones are removed immediately, so they’re unable to cause any more damage to the potatoes,” he explains. “In addition, the old sorting lines have virtually all been replaced with new ones, and a lot of effort went into further limiting the number of traps and their height in the sorting and packaging process.” Before the renovation, all potatoes passed through two sorters and various belts before the potatoes ended up in the bunkers, sorted by size. Various belts have been removed here as well, which means the potatoes fall less often now. The potato flow passes through one sorter. The potatoes now go through the sorter in a thicker flow, so there’s less risk of damage. “Modern technology and all the adjustments help us further improve the quality of the supplied produce. This improves opportunities for the sales of our potatoes, and existing clients also benefit from this.”
More information:
Nedato
Heero Gramsma