Belgium: “First potatoes: small volumes, good prices”

The national potato season started slowly last week and the harvest is later than last year. The exception was the potatoes which were planted and grown under plastic. These potatoes were hardly affected. “Volumes are very limited at the moment and they are running 10 to 14 days later compared to last season. This is primarily due to the weather conditions. The potatoes were not able to grow as quickly due to the cold temperatures and rain in April and May and were difficult to harvest.” according to Karel Casteels. “We are now offering potatoes from Italy, Spain and Cyprus. The national potatoes are the variety called Premiére and are dug up by hand.”

“The first Belgian potatoes are of good quality and are a prime specimen” according to the potato and chicory specialist. “Only the tonnage is lower. I expect larger volumes in around four weeks, around the beginning of July. Only then can we start running at full capacity using our own harvest.”

Growers are content with the potato prices. “We started with € 1,30 per kilo and the price is currently 75 cents. According to growers, this is a good price for this time of year. It would normally be a lower amount, but compared to previous years there were usually larger volumes at this time.”

The firm Lathouwers & Co is located in Wolvertam, near Brussels. The company has specialised in supplying potatoes and chicory for years. For the last year, a portion of their products have been labelled with the brand Deli D’or.

For more information:
Karel Casteels
Lathouers & Co
Veilinglaan 39
1861 Wolvertem
Tel: 0031 52-397900
Fax: 0031 52-397902
www.delidor.eu