The organic premier potato season started at De Aardappelhoeve last week. "The first containers with Allianz and Jelly from Israel have arrived," said Bart Nemegheer. "The quality is very good, there is just a much smaller yield due to the late frost. Because there is less volume we are now also getting some parties from southern Italy and Sicily."
Prices of organic higher
The price for the premier potatoes are at a comparable level to previous years. "For organics it's a bit higher, as there is less supply." The low supply isn't a huge problem according to the potato trader. "The supply coming in is sold almost immediately, but there is also part of the old harvest 'alive'. Organic growers are becoming increasingly professional, including in the area of cooling and storage, so every year the quality at the end of the season is better."
Not spring yet
Bart notices that the weather isn't working towards a better demand. "It's still quite cold and dark outside, so there isn't a real spring feeling yet. If there was more sun the demand for and price of premier potatoes would be higher. What's available is being sold, but there aren't any shortages."
Every year the trader notices that the popularity of Israeli products in Belgium is decreasing. "Consumers don't have a preference for potatoes from Israel, so as soon as European is available, the retailer wants them on the shelf." Bart says there are hardly any Malta potatoes in Belgium at the moment. "It was still an item years ago, but they go to the Netherlands more now. Belgians that need them, import them from the 'neighbours'."
For more information:
Bart Nemegheer
De Aardappelhoeve
Putterijstraat 7A
8700 Tielt - Belgium
T: +32-477 291784
F: +32- 514 09501
www.deaardappelhoeve.be
bart@deaardappelhoeve.be
For more information:
Bart Nemegheer
De Aardappelhoeve
Putterijstraat 7A
8700 Tielt - Belgium
T: +32-477 291784
F: +32- 514 09501
www.deaardappelhoeve.be
bart@deaardappelhoeve.be