At VerDi Import, the Moroccan Nicola potato season has been on the go for several weeks now. This company is based in the Dutch town of Barendrecht. "The season started well. Morocco is delivering a great product this year," says Mark Verweij. VerDi Import receives weekly supplies of the Moroccan Nicola. The season usually runs until around the end of April.
"Of course, the high price of Dutch potatoes offers perspective for the import season. The prices are at a good level. Although I do think the pre-season expectations were a bit too high. We, therefore, started on a too-high price level. Since then, prices have normalized," says Mark.
"There are a limited number of players on the Dutch potato market. This means the market gets flooded quickly. We mostly have export clients for our import potatoes. These are mainly in Eastern Europe."
"Germany, the Baltic States, and, especially, Poland are good buyers. Egypt is a major competitor in Germany and Poland. However, this country does not have the quality and freshness that Morocco provides," says this experienced potato trader.
Spanish Doré potatoes
The potatoes are imported directly from Morocco. They are packed in the well-known 15kg packs and transported in refrigerated containers. However, the jute bags that are being used are expensive. This year, VerDi is, therefore, experimenting with other kinds of packaging. VerDi Import is making ready for the Spanish Doré season. This is in addition to supplying these Moroccan Nicola potatoes.
"The Spanish Dorés are looking good. They are growing well. They are planted near the Rio Guadalquivir delta in the far south of Spain. We do, however, expect the season to begin two weeks early", concludes Verweij.
For more information:
Mark Verweij
VerDi Import
Tel: +31 (0) 180 696 464
mark@verdiimport.nl
www.verdiimport.nl