May 5, 2009
Even though the first harvest has been carried out, the official start of
the Andalusian Early Potato campaign will take place in the next days.
It was initially estimated production would be normal and similar to
previous years. However, as the seasoning dates have been getting closer,
the Association of Producers and Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato
has confirmed the significant reduction of the production of potatoes for
different reasons and that it varies depending on different areas.
Therefore, in the province of Seville, the sowing was carried out as
normal but the performance was lower than usual; this was due to the
abundant rain and the lower than usual April temperatures. Also, in the
provinces of Cordoba and Cadiz, the sowing was delayed until mid February
due to the impossible access to the fields caused by the long periods of
precipitation; this will result in a shorter production cycle than usual and
a smaller production.
Nevertheless, according to the Association of the Andalusian Early
Potato, “the potato quality will be very good, thanks to there being no
plagues and illnesses”. The absence of large sizes and and optimum
skin finish will result in a wonderful product ready to be washed and
packed. The continuity of the offer for the Andalusian sector is warrantied
by the unsteady sowing process due to the rain. As a result the big peaks of
existing product that damage the market so much will be avoided.
The Andalusian Early Potato sector has been observing a process of strong
organisation and professionalism during the last few years, and as a result
the Association of Producers and Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato
has been created. One of its goals is to make the Andalusian Earl
Potato known to the consumers and the society in general, as a completely
different product to the old potato that could be found in the market
up until now.
It’s high culinary properties, its flavour, and its freshness are
completely different properties to those of the old potato that has been on
the market during recent months. These old potatoes are kept refrigerated,
which results in a blander potato, less flavoursome and with less frying
capacity.
The Association of the Andalusian Early Potato has been able to confirm
that, from this week on, the major discount supermarket chain in our country
will replace the old potato for the early potato on its shelves. Other
big distributors are thought to be doing the same in the next days. The old
potato, with its low quality and reduced consumption for not keeping up to
the minimum expectations of the final consumer, is being replaced for a
fresher one. This change of product promotes the consumption of potatoes.
According to the information handled by the Association of Producers and
Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato, the sowed surface in this region
is approximately 12.000 hectares, 75% of the total production of the
country. Over 80% of the production is destined for the national
market, and the rest is exported to the main countries in the european
market.
More News on PotatoPro by the Association of Producers and Exporters of the
Andalusian Early Potato