EU: Shifting markets for machines

Europe is an important market for agricultural machinery, but new markets are forming outside the EU as well. Tummers Machinebouw sees a developing market in Russia and China. The company, specialized in the manufacture of machines for the potato and vegetable industry, is increasingly supplying these new destinations. Because of the distance, China and Russia mostly buy complete processing lines, while customers within Europe take singular machines.

In China, the consumption of processed potatoes is increasing, and continued trade with the country is expected. “We do notice an increase in business there,” says Dustin-Dwight Verhagen of Tummers. “The potato is actually easier to grow than rice, and requires less water. Processing them however, is not something the Chinese are used to, so we are often called in to advise them.”

“Russia is also an interesting market,” Dustin continues. “There is great demand for fresh production lines, by which I mean peeling, cutting, packing, and cleaning lines, so essentially brushing and packaging. This market offers great opportunities, in particular for the export of flakes, which is now fully investigated. The market for chips is also growing. We notice this through the demand for frozen French fries in Russia. "

Europe is by no means out of the picture, says Dustin. “The scales tend to be bigger here. Smaller companies are giving way to the larger. In terms of sustainability, we also see progress, there is much more money invested in it than in the past. Customers choose better quality machines that last longer. Even the smaller companies. They find it important that the machines are energy-efficient. This way they save a lot of money.”

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