There is concern among producers at the start of Spain's potato campaign due to increasing imports from Egypt and a decrease in consumption, which has decreased from 20 kg per capita in 2019 to 18 kg in 2023. In addition, there has been a slight drop in production, according to Alfonso Sáez, president of the Fepex potato committee. This decrease is attributed to weather adversities and a deterioration in plant health, which has led to an increase in seed rejections.
In addition, climate challenges and an increase in frozen potato consumption have led producers to increasingly opt for crops intended for the processing industry instead of seed potatoes. Nevertheless, producers in Seville expect an exceptional harvest thanks to the rainfall in Easter week. The area will remain stable in other regions, such as the Basque Country and the Valencian Community.
Producers are also concerned about potato imports from Egypt, as the import volume has increased from 2,463 tons in 2019 to 50,488 tons last year, representing a 2,100% increase in value. Meanwhile, national potato consumption has decreased by 11.7% in the past five years. In contrast, per capita consumption of frozen potatoes has increased from 0.9 kg in 2019 to 1.13 kg in 2023.
According to Fepex and COAG, this increase reflects a change in eating habits and can be explained by a preference for convenience and, possibly, also price. The purchase of other forms of processed potatoes has also increased, suggesting an evolution in consumption preferences within the Spanish market.
Source: efeagro.com