NL: Colder weather could give potato market a boost

Sales of potatoes are quiet at the moment. "It is not an active market. What we miss is colder weather, so that export to, for instance, Eastern Europe can start" Jaap Kodde of potato wholesaler Flevostar Dronten says. He does, however, confirm a higher consumption of fresh potatoes. "This is also the result of the lower price and consumers are becoming more price conscious. Last week the offers got slightly out of hand even, everybody was surprised as a result."

"Whether the export to Africa will resume is often dependent on whether a ship is available. We work for Russia at the moment, but those are all washed potatoes. All in all export is at a low level. Transport prices are high and that of course counts heavily" Jaap says. "The inland supply is doing well. At least the quality of the potatoes is good."

The price of the potatoes ranges from white skin potatoes to Bildstar at a level of 5 to 10 Euro. "It depends on what one can get. The table potato market is a relatively closed market. It is already clear now that it will become more difficult to obtain Bildstar. The global potato stocks are known, but not specifically each variety. Therefore one has to follow one's own ideas."

Looking ahead at the weeks to come the potato dealer hopes especially for colder weather. "One would not obtain world prices all of a sudden, but is in a position to support the export."

For more information:
Jaap Kodde
Flevostar Dronten
14, Oudebosweg
8251 RD Dronten
Tel; 0321-336272
Fax: 0321-336357
www.flevostar.nl