Potato prices are staying at a stable level. "Potatoes are being bought for between EUR0,26 and EUR0,33", says Altena Potatoes' Kees Schouten. This company is based in the Dutch town of Veen.
Yet, according to him, these high prices are not hindering exports. "It is actually unbelievably busy", he says. "We have had an enormous amount of work. Within Europe, many countries are taking part in this trade. From Spain to France, Hungary, and Romania. The domestic market is also participating."
Joop, Eddy, and Kees Schouten
However, the trader is not worried about the Dutch potato supplies. "After all, we have never been without potatoes. Despite the high prices, we can still buy Agrias relatively easily. And the world has so small nowadays. Just look at onions - these are coming into the Netherlands from all over the world. The potatoes' quality is also considerably better than last year. This, even though they are a little smaller."
"I expect prices to also remain stable in the coming months. A minor fluctuation is always a possibility. However, I do not see prices dropping to EUR0,20 or climbing to EUR0,40. There will soon be enough imported potatoes. The seed potatoes were scarce, so I do not expect massive volumes there either," says Kees.
The move to their new location in Veen has suited this family-run business well. "Construction is almost complete. We are only now experiencing the convenience of the extra space. The cubicles in the sorting area are now also closed off. We are ready for the future."
For more information:
Kees Schouten
Altena Potatoes
15 Veensesteeg
4264 KG Veen
Tel: +31 (0) 416 392 565
Mob: +31 (0) 653 127 488
kees@altena-bv.nl
www.altenapotatoes.com