The rains recorded in Andalusia and Cartagena have interrupted the early potato harvest in the main production areas. It is feared, therefore, that in the coming days there won't be enough supply to meet all the demand.
This has been stated by José Peláez, manager of Sevillana de Patatas, a company specialized in managing the production, processing, marketing and distribution of early potatoes.
"We started the campaign about two weeks ago, with doubts regarding the volumes we would obtain and the quality of the product. Now we see that the quality is good, but our doubts regarding the volumes have been confirmed, as they are lower compared to last season and the supply is going to be very limited in the coming days."
"In Cartagena, where the acreage has been slightly reduced compared to last year, it has been raining for days and the prospect is that it will continue raining for the rest of the week, so it will be unfeasible to harvest for at least 15 days," said José Peláez.
"Meanwhile, in Seville, it has been raining for two days, and heavier rains are expected for the weekend. The potato acreage in Seville has been reduced due to irrigation restrictions imposed as a result of the drought. If we add to this that yields are low due to adverse weather conditions and that the rain is falling at a very inconvenient time of the season for us, it is clear that there is not going to be much production."
"We are really concerned, because within the next few days, there may be a lack of supply and, therefore, tension in the market," warns José Peláez. Given this situation, prices, which have been very high in recent months, are not expected to go down."
For now, the company's sales are focused on the domestic market. Exports to other European countries won't begin until later in the campaign.
For more information:
José Peláez Izquierdo
Sevillana de Patatas
M: +34 659454537
jose@sevillanadepatatas.com
sevillanadepatatas.com