“Because of the weather conditions in Cyprus, supply of new potatoes is limited. Prices are much higher than in previous years as well. This is because prices on the potato market have been high all winter due to the dry weather and low yields,” says Michel Binst of Primimport.
Demand for the early potatoes is fair. “Easter is a bit later this year, and most of the supermarkets want new potatoes on their shelves around Easter. Yet we’ve noticed supermarkets are already asking for imported potatoes. The old potato harvest is more or less out of stock now, so the switch to imported potatoes will have to be made anyway,” Michel continues. “When the weather is good around Easter, people want to eat new potatoes, with asparagus tomatoes and lettuce.”
“Israel is currently on the market as well, but their volumes are lower as a result of winter damages. Practically no potatoes are available for the free market. The potatoes are sent directly to their destinations, which mostly consist of wholesalers and retail. After Israel, the first potatoes from Spain will arrive on the market in May, and these will be followed by Italy and France,” Michel concludes.
For more information:
Michel Binst
Primimport
Importcentrum Brussels, Belgium
Magazijn 38
+32 33 03 14 53
Michel@binst.biz