The mood in the potato trade is good at the moment. "Right now no potatoes are being sold from the barn for less than 22 cents," says Kees Schoutens of potato trader Altena from Wijk en Aalburg. "I expect more pressure on the market if there is better weather next week and the harvest can get started. Of course I hope the price stays at 20 cents all season. That would be better for everyone in the chain."
"There isn't that much supply at the moment, but it's not like we can't handle the demand and that's what I've heard from colleagues," continues Kees. "Some goes to Africa, and some demand is starting to come from Southern Europe. Eastern Europe isn't on the market yet. We are exporting quite a lot of potatoes to Germany. The rain drowned a lot of potatoes, especially in the South of Germany, and this will certainly influence the market. Normally we're the ones buying potatoes from Germany, but now there will be more demand for Dutch potatoes from our neighbours to the East."
Export assessment with Eddy Schouten
The trader says the quality of all varieties is very good. "But anything harvested dry is usually problem free." According to Kees there are no big developments in the area of varieties. "We don't supply straight to supermarkets and our buyers ask for cooking types, not specific varieties. Personally I think it's a shame that the varieties aren't more visible on the packaging. There is still some demand for Bildstar, especially here in the South, but if the variety isn't noted the consumer often doesn't know what they're buying."
More information:
Potato trader Altena B.V.
4261 BL Wijk en Aalburg
Tel: +31(0) 416 691241
Fax: +31(0) 416 692822
info@altena-bv.nl
www.altena-bv.nl