The pool result of APF Holland from Dronten achieved the second highest level in its existence. This year this was partly prompted by the well-functioning in-house quality system, so that the pool manager knows exactly how each party is structured.
“It takes an investment in time, but it pays for itself,” say pool managers Martin de Visser and Pieter Boone of APF Holland about the extensive quality system. Especially in a growing season with flooding in the spring and drought in the second part, the quality of the potatoes can suffer a dent. “The quality was downright bad at times. There were also good games, but many scored poorly. Yet we were able to keep everything in the pool and that also benefits the result for the growers in question.”
Extremely much harvesting damage
APF Holland and its growers spend a lot of time monitoring quality. “This year we saw many growth cracks and an extreme amount of harvesting damage due to the dry conditions during harvesting. We came across parties with 3 times the maximum standard. You try to dismiss such parties in a timely manner. We draw up a sales plan together with the grower. We also discuss such problems clearly with the factories. One factory may handle one quality aspect better than another. For example, one can cope well with more harvesting damage, the other cannot, but he knows how to deal with, for example, the baking color or internal defects. If you only trade with 1 processor, it will quickly stop.”
Many lines with factories
With this method, APF tries to direct the potatoes in a certain direction. Due to the many connections that APF has with mainly German factories, it is often possible to sell batches appropriately, according to De Visser.
“It is therefore also an added value for the factories to do business with us. They know exactly what is in front of the factory gate. Ultimately, less sweat runs down everyone's backs.”
Only 2006 a bit higher
The fact that the time investment is worth it can be seen in the performance of the pool that achieved the second highest price in existence. Only 1 was a bit higher. Innovator achieved a price of €2006 per 24,67 kg at 100 in the pool without pre-sales on week 40, excluding VAT. In the pre-sale pool, Innovator is paid €13. Ramos/Eurostar, without presales on week 22,03, has a price of €13, with presales it is €22,82. Miss Malina will be paid on week 20,18 at €13, this is with presales and excluding VAT. All prices are net prices, after deduction of all costs.
Furthermore, several batches of excellent quality Innovator have been sold to a specific customer in England. The growers in question have received an additional price of €0,80 on top of the pool price.