"It is currently a very exciting potato market. The washer is working overtime and the supply to the retail sector is going very fast. I expect that it will be difficult to find washer suitable potatoes. On the other hand, the fries industry and the catering industry are at a loss," observes Kees Schouten from Altena Potatoes from Veen. "Exports to Eastern Europe are also going very well. Now I hope we can also supply them with chip potatoes."
In Malta, they have also started harvesting. The potato trader expects the Maltese potatoes next Wednesday or Thursday in the Netherlands. "That is in line with last year. The potatoes are doing reasonably well in Malta. People will be short of hands, because the workers from Central Europe who normally harvest, will stay at home", Kees expects.
"In these turbulent times it is difficult to estimate how the market will react to the new potatoes. Of course, the weather has not yet been good, but fortunately it is brightening up again this week. Prices of the old harvest are now rising, so I expect there will be a market for the new potatoes. "
For more information:
Kees Schouten
Altena Potatoes
Veensesteeg 15
4264 KG Peat
Tel: +31 (0) 416 392 565
Mobile: +31 (0) 653 127 488
kees@altena-bv.nl
www.altenapotatoes.com