There are two sides to the potato market this year - the produce is lacking and there is the risk of only finding low-quality potatoes on the market as the best produce is being kept in warehouses hoping for the situation to improve.
"There is a bit of everything on the market at the moment, though we need to be careful as, at times, the second category is sold as first category. Luckily it is just a few cases. The price of first-quality produce is good and producers should be pleased," explains Alberto Zambon, President of Patata di Bologna Dop.
What counts is to stand out and Patata di Bologna Dop can easily be identified on the market. The performance of the Primura variety is improving and sold volumes are increasing - it went from the 5,240 tons of 2015/16, to the 7,380 tons of 2016/17 and the 9,430 tons of 208/18.
"The increase is of around 2,000 tons/year, and this is due to effective promotional activities supported by a communications campaign in line with the consortium's values and a wise use of social media. Most of all, consumers are increasingly appreciating Primura potatoes as they perceive their quality as being particularly high."
