The nice weather experienced over the past few days, means potato grubbing is going well. This follows a difficult period. "The quality of the potatoes varies widely. There are some that have a lot of water damage, but, fortunately, there are still enough that look nice. So, you must be very selective. In general, the potatoes are quite large", says Peter Verkerk of the Dutch potato trading company of the same name from 's-Gravendeel.
"The prices aren't great. A price of EUR 0,06/0,07 is not good for the farmers. This does, however, make us interesting to the export market. At the moment, we are packing a lot of potatoes for exporters to supply to the African market. Last year, our potatoes were too expensive to be able to participate well in the export market. Now, our potatoes that are on the export market are, however, in demand", continues Peter.
Sales on the Dutch market are also running smoothly according to Peter.
Verkerk has been supplying potatoes to exporters, wholesalers, weekly markets, and shops, including it own potato shops, for forty years now. "The weather is nice, and we had a good week of sales last week. In our shops, in winter, we mostly devote our sales to the traditional varieties. The sales of Frieslanders are, therefore, going well now. The Bidtstar season is also starting and there are also, always, buyers for Eigenheimers and Bintjes. The Doré season is over, but the Resonant is a good replacement."
