The horrible heat of the last year is still etched in the minds of many growers in Germany and Europe: After threatening shortages and high potato prices, the expectations of the domestic new potato season were high. Commenting on the current season, in an interview with FreshPlaza, Richard Grob from Potato Center Bavaria says: "With regard to early potatoes, the widespread frost and local hailstorms made the start of the season exciting. The shortage of raw materials meant this year's campaign started with record prices."
Current varieties from experimental cultivation.
The situation has barely eased since then, Grob continues: "Currently, rainfall and extreme weather are putting pressure on potato prices in Bavaria, yet the prices for German potato potatoes are still high." In addition to this, the demand for table potatoes in August and summer vacation time is traditionally lower. Regarding potatoes for processing; there are not so many price fluctuations.
Packaged goods.
The export season is now also getting started: "The demand from Southern and Eastern Europe gives us hope for a good export season. We certainly feel the rising demand from our customers abroad. In order to meet these requirements, we are working with a targeted variety selection here in Bavaria. the use of box refrigerators and have further strengthened our quality management."
Bavarian onions will soon be on the market. So far, growers are hopeful. "The bulbs are currently in their main growth phase, with favorable weather, and we foresee a great harvest. Last year, the dry circumstances affected the size of the onions and this year we will reap more 'export calibres'," the expert concludes.
For more information:
Richard Grob
Kartoffel-Centrum Bayern GmbH
Mittelstetterstr. 42
D-86641 Rain/Lech
Tel: +49(0)9090 / 9604-14
Mobile: +49(0)175 / 2631001
E-Mail: richard.grob@rwz.de
Web: www.kartoffel-centrum-bayern.de