"When I drive through certain areas, I see good-looking crops, despite the dry weather. There are no indications of a delayed harvest. As things stand, we'll have good yields," says Klaas Greydanus of the Dutch potato wholesaler, outlining the coming potato season's harvest forecast.
© Greydanus AardappelhandelKlaas Greydanus (on the left) with Cor, Alissa, and Jacob
He also sees prices are lower than last year, though. The new season got off to a difficult start with the early potatoes. Trade journal Nieuwe Oogst reports that in the past ten years, early potato prices started low only in 2020, when COVID-19 disrupted sales.
"Unlike last year, there's a considerable supply of early potatoes, which means prices are very different from what we're used to for those. There are still plenty of 'old' potatoes on the market. Fortunately, we don't often experience this kind of situation." Greydanus Aardappelhandel switched to the new Dutch harvest in mid-July.
© Greydanus Aardappelhandel
On the rise
Klaas focuses mainly on small packages for retailers. Unlike the national sales of table potatoes, which decline slightly each year, he sees an upward trend. "Our sales rise marginally annually. The packages are shrinking in size, and 800 grams or a kilo are no longer exceptions. In the north [of the Netherlands], though, the larger bags – 2.5, 3, and 5 kg – sell best," he says.
According to Klaas, there is also an increasing demand from snack bars for fresh French fry potatoes. "We supply them with large potatoes, like Agrias, in 10-kilogram packages. We test those beforehand for baking quality. The snack bars then cut them into fresh fries. We've been doing this more and more in recent years."
© Greydanus Aardappelhandel
Stimulating sales
Klaas notes that recently, potatoes have, because of the emphasis on their carbohydrate content, fallen out of favor. But he sees renewed interest in this product and its health benefits in Belgium and hopes to see the same development in the Netherlands. "Ware potato sales should continue, regardless. If we can, however, stimulate consumption a little more, as in Belgium, I certainly see even greater opportunities," he concludes.
Aardappelgroothandel Greydanus
De Kuinder 12
8444 Heerenveen
T: 0513 – 681268
[email protected]
www.greydanus.nl