The availability of German new potatoes is steadily increasing. John Ioannidis, who is responsible for the import and export at Johann Koch, a family business for over 100 years, says: "For the farmers the current season is better than the last, the demand is good and keeps on growing."
The prices are satisfactory too, according to the Koch company from Neuburg in Bavaria. "The prices have almost doubled compared to last year," says John Ioannidis, "and at the end of next week we will start with the German potatoes. We will have to see how the prices will develop. At the moment we can’t predict anything."
German potatoes don’t need fear competition from Mediterranean potatoes. John Ioannidis, specialist in the import and export of potatoes knows: "In the Mediterranean the stock of potatoes is almost exhausted. There are hardly any potatoes left."
"The transport costs are too high"
According to John Ioannidis the import of potatoes from Portugal or Italy, is currently not an issue for the traditional company: "Nowadays import from Portugal or Italy is not worth it. The transport costs are too high. Although Italy still has potatoes available from Sicily, the prices have gradually increased in recent weeks. Combined with the prices for import and transport, they are no longer profitable for the German market."
No export plans
Currently there are no plans to export German potatoes. Ioannidis explains: "The southern Europeans prefer their domestically grown potatoes. They don’t want German potatoes now." For Johann Koch export of German potatoes to southern Europe starts in late August, early September, states John Ioannidis.
The company Johann Koch is a long-established company with over 100 years experience. The company is based in Neuburg, Bavaria and their business focus lies on preparation, packaging, import, export and wholesale of potatoes, onions and dates from around the world.
Johannes Ioannidis
Fa. Johann Koch e.K.
Eternitweg 17-19, 86633 Neuburg/Do.
[email protected]
www.johann-koch.de
