Fight for potatoes
"Due to the limited supply and the large demand the prices for Spanish potatoes will be the highest in 20 years. The old potatoes are as good as gone, especially for the fresh market. I expect Spanish growers to profit this year. They've had a few really difficult years. Now is the time to make up for that." Dirk indicates that there are two important production areas in Spain: Cartagena and Sevilla. Sevilla is known for its waxy varieties. "Slightly more has been planted in Cartagena, but a lot less volumes is expected from Sevilla. In total there is around 10 to 15% less available than last year. I expect this season to be a fight for the potatoes, especially the Spanish ones. We are expecting the first numbers from Cartagena next week and Sevilla will start in last week of May."
Prices high until the beginning of August
At the moment Pomuni still has imported potatoes from Cyrpus and Israel in their assortment. "The most important suppliers of imported potatoes are Egypt and Israel, they are the two biggest exporters. Cyprus is a little less important. Of course, it's a small country and mainly focuses on the English market. The price has been good so far. There is around 10 to 15% less from Israel compared to last year. There has never really been shortages, because when the prices go up, the consumption often goes down a little. The prices are between 650 and 800 Euro per ton at the moment. This could go up a bit, but this also depends on the weather. When it gets warmer, the potato consumption always goes down. The market is naturally influenced by a combination of factors, but the prospects are that there will be high prices until the beginning of August. The first early potatoes from Germany will probably be expensive too, as they will then have the market almost to themselves. This will stay that way until the firsts from Belgium and Holland arrive. At the beginning of August there will be more supply again and the prices will probably go down."
For more information:
Dirk Cornelis
Pomuni
Vaartstraat 155 F
2520 Ranst - Belgium
T. +32 (0)3 485 73 73
Mobiel: +32 (0)477 68 92 99
F. +32 (0)3 485 79 30
E. [email protected]
W. www.pomuni.com
