Potato growers invest in machinery after tough harvest

Potato equipment manufacturers are in an upbeat mood following one of the best years on record, writes Steven Vale from Potato Europe.

German potato machinery specialist Grimme is enjoying one of the best years ever, with overall sales up on its 2008 peak and 30 per cent up on last year.

Speaking at Potato Europe, Grimme’s Jürgen Feld said machines across the board had sold well: “For the first time ever we have completely sold out of all machines, with no possibility to build more new machines.”

Belgian manufacturer AVR sold out of 2011 machines in February.

Belgian manufacturer Dewulf is on target to achieve revenues of €32 million (£27.5m) - up 30 per cent on 2010.

The company’s Karel Decramer suggested several reasons for the change in fortunes and renewed confidence in the sector.

“Subsidies have helped in some Euro areas,” he said, but suggested the main reason for the upturn in sales was due to last year’s difficult harvesting conditions, resulting in high potato prices".