"Overall, the potato production this year is smaller than in 2011. Fewer potatoes were planted and there is less production per hectare," says Pablo Jiménez, manager of Ibérica de Patatas, when asked about this year's harvest.
Adverse weather conditions in Western Europe have caused significant losses, so the situation is quite delicate.
"There were problems with floods in France and the production has also declined, as it was impossible to harvest in the north of the country. It will be possible to pick the plants off the ground at a later stage, but it is unknown whether the product will be in an acceptable condition," explains Jiménez. "The product is going through a difficult moment in France, UK and Spain."
Spain is the largest importer of French potatoes, which are currently at a production peak. "Until February, when we import Israeli and Moroccan potatoes, there is little to collect and just as little in stock."
With these drops in potato production, prices have been quick to skyrocket; quadrupling in fact, as the manager of Ibérica de Patatas affirms.
"In Spain the price has risen sharply so far this year due to the lower production and adverse weather conditions. The price of the product has quadrupled compared to last year," he affirms.
Ibérica de Patatas works with the main potato varieties for their whole product range. "The Monalisa for washed potatoes and the Agria for potatoes for frying, as well as the Caesar and the Elodie, are the most demanded in its range of processed products," says Jiménez.
For the generic range, Ibérica de Patatas supplies the Monalisa, Agata, Claustar, Elodie, Berber, Vivaldi and Carrera varieties; for frying, the Monalisa, Frisia, Caesar, Turbo, Victoria, Accord, Voyager and Carrera.
"We also offer specialties for roasting, boiling and omelettes," adds the manager. "Our work is focusing on the development of processed products and on offering a wide range of specialties."
For more information:
Pablo Jiménez
IBERICA DE PATATAS
Tel: +34 91 785 43 12
pjimenez@iberica.giberica.com
www.ibericadepatatas.es