Charlotte, Agatha en Roseval. Prices are at a good level at the moment between 18 and 28 cents. It is expected that this will remain for a while. That is good for everybody."
The trader says, that sales are well spread. "The Dorés are not doing too well at the moment, people go for Eigenheimer. Also the Nicola and the Bildstar are doing well. The potatoes come from the Hoekse Waard. Actually a change is noticeable. The skin is a little firmer. The young potatoes are at an end now. They can also be washed properly again."
French specialities
The French potatoes are mainly taken up by hotel and restaurant companies and retailers. "It is striking that these groups are prepared to spend money when buying French varieties. Also for consumers, price is not of the first importance. They just love the taste. French potatoes have a very special structure of peel. This could not be achieved when growing these varieties in the Netherlands, they are really special. Roseval is mainly sold at Dutch retailers and entrepreneurs from abroad prefer Agathas."
Ron regrets that the Dutch small shops are slowly disappearing. "The target group, which buys the special potatoes, is becoming smaller as a result. Everything has changed. The Dutch small vegetable trader disappears from the scene and usually nothing takes its place. But what can one do about this? One cannot keep people out of the supermarkets, which are open 24/7."
For more information:
Ron Vreeswijk
Aardappelgroothandel Vreeswijk
2-5, Groothandelsmarkt
3044 HA Rotterdam
Tel.: 0031 10 415 44 30
Fax: 0031 10 462 66 50
www.aardappelgroothandel.nl