Last week, a significant volume of potatoes was stored. "The quality varies. With us in the region, the damage is not too bad, but I hear there are quite a few plots with rotten potatoes in the Hoekse Waard. At the moment we're mainly loading in the polders, and that's going well," says Jan Westhoeve of the potato wholesaler from Ouddorp of the same name. Westhoeve switched to 100% exporter in recent years, and has no regrets about that strategy. "In general, supply is higher than demand, and the sorting capacity is quite big. Buying extra is always possible and by exporting ourselves, the margins are more favourable. We take up few positions, and buy what we can sell."
"The trade could be a bit busier, but we're not complaining. It will be a bit busier in the upcoming weeks though. Africa and Malaysia are frontrunners at the moment, but I'm also selling to Dubai, Guyana, Mali and Senegal," Jan says. "Prices for potatoes that are suitable for Africa, are at a level between 15.50 and 16.50 Euro free at Ouddorp. I expect the price to go down a bit more, until everything is harvested and stored, and the European warehouses can be finally emptied. In Eastern Europe, the harvest is turning out a lot lower anyway."
For more information:
Westhoeve Potatoes Holland
Hofdijksweg 42
3253 KB Ouddorp
Tel: +31(0)187-683137
Fax: +31(0)187-681274
info@westhoevepotatoes.nl
www.westhoevepotatoes.nl