All big producers have finished harvesting potatoes, only France is still finishing. "They started in September but had to stop because of the high temperatures and lack of rain," explains Claudio Brintazzoli, President of CESAC.
Things in Italy seem to be good, as there is a rather strong foreign demand for new potatoes and potatoes from Bologna. This was due to the fact that Sicilian production was early and to the lack of produce from France, the Netherlands and Germany.
Potato processing at Cesac. (Archive photo)
"The campaign was good from a productive point of view. Last year, yields were 37/38 tons per hectare, while this year yields were 10 tons more per hectare and quality was really good."
"The market started with quotations 5/6 eurocent/kg lower than last year in the fields and 3/5 eurocent/kg lower for commercialisation. Nonetheless, we tried to keep price for producers at 26 eurocent/kg."
"This decision proved to be the right one and we are now looking to increase quotations."
"Nowadays, consumers tend to prefer local produce and even retailers are willing to pay a few cents more to have high-quality Italian potatoes. Just think that Pdo potatoes from Bologna are increasing their market share, so much so that we will increase Primura crops next year."
"Considering the quantity and quality of the Italian product, our potatoes will be available until March. Foreign produce is very expensive, we are talking about 35/37 eurocent/kg. France used to be the main actor on the market but, this year, yields are 10 ton/ha lower than last year due to problems during harvesting."