panish new potato season, when prices were exorbitant, so far the 2014 campaign has been marked by low demand and falling prices.As discussed by some marketers, Andalusia and Cartagena's first new potatoes of the season reached an average of around 0.34 to 0.35 Euro per kilo in the Spanish wholesale market, while this week prices have dropped to around 0.15 Euro per kilo.
No clear data on production volumes is yet available, but it appears that Andalusia and Murcia's supply will be greater due to the expansion in the acreage, which was motivated by 2013's high prices.
Regarding exports, even though no significant volumes of Agria potato are yet available, which is usually the most demanded in France and the UK, it all points to a quiet campaign with low demand and high competition with countries like Egypt and Israel.
"Demand in the European markets is not growing at the same rate as during the same period last year. While we are only just starting, and the situation could still change in the coming weeks, there is a feeling of uncertainty. Prices are in a downward trend and it looks like it will stay that way," said an exporter.
In any case, sector operators affirm that the quality of this year's potatoes is excellent and very consistent, mainly due to the ideal weather conditions since the time of the planting.
"It rained as much as potatoes needed for about 15 days before the start of the season, which helped in the tuber's growth. We then had warm temperatures, which resulted in the harvest of a great quality potato with good yields per hectare. While 25 tonnes per hectare were harvested last year, this season we are reaching 40 or more tonnes per hectare," he concludes.
