Things will not get easier in the potato market

The potato wholesaler, Valcke, was founded in 1956. Currently, Kristof and Heike (brother and sister) are the third generation active in the company, and they still enjoy it, "We have always focused on the sales side, not on cultivation. Various growers supply us and we sort, package and transport the potatoes," says Heike about the company's activities.

Filling gaps

A large volume of the potatoes are supplied to the industry, "We also supply to stores, fry stalls, the hospitality sector and export. The volumes for export differ each year, "Russia is gone obviously, but sometimes gaps arise in European markets and we are happy to fill in at these times." According to the trader, the Bintje variety is still relatively stable, "We hope that there will be years in which this variety becomes more expensive. The taste is good and they are easy to store, and they are completely different from the Challenger and Fontane potatoes. We have noticed that the volume of Bintje's has fallen, but it will remain a variety that Belgians value."

It does not get easier

Heike says that things have changed since Valcke started back in 1956, "For example, in the past we used to store more potatoes, nowadays many of the potatoes go straight from the grower to industry. Sorting and washing is not always necessary." Another difference is the market situation, "Now that almost everything is done with contracts, the percentage of free trade has fallen. In fact, traders don't come around any more. We are still around because we have satisfied customers and we are flexible. We are able to respond to changes quickly. Compared to twenty years ago, it is not necessarily harder work, but things have become more difficult. The margins in the potato market are becoming smaller and smaller. It will not get easier in the coming years."

Kristof and Heike Valcke

When Heike looks back at previous years she sees that the dry years, in particular, were good, "Although, before this year we thought that it was good, but sometimes it is difficult to predict. The fact is, more needs to be happening right now. There are always good years and bad years. A few years ago the import ban from Russia was a death sentence for the potato sector." Despite everything the brother and sister are positive about the future, "There are a lot of quality controls, but that is a good thing. It is important to continue to supply quality goods, because if you don't do that then you will break your market. That should be something that is logical to everyone."

For more information:
Aardappelgroothandel Valcke
Ketelstraat 20
8560 Moorsele
T: (0)56 511073
F: (0)56 519050
info@aardappelenvalcke.be