With the arrival of a second production line (for the extraction of the high-quality protein 'Solanic'), Avebe is processing more potatoes this season. The starch campaign will run until the first half of May. Since there are not enough starch potatoes available, consumption potatoes are also processed in Gasselternijveen (Drenthe).
During the member meetings (last winter), starch producer Avebe said it had room to process more potatoes. In addition to the available starch potatoes, processing fries and flake potatoes was considered. These can be purchased at low prices this season.
More demand for protein
It does not disclose how many consumption potatoes the processor ultimately purchases. Insiders sign up Boerenbusiness that it concerns a significant volume (from 40.000 to 50.000 tons). The Solanic factory in Gasselternijveen (Drenthe) can produce protein until approximately mid-May. Normally the campaign ends at the end of April.
The reason for the extension is the commissioning of a second production line (for the unique vegetable protein Solanic). The demand for this product is, according to the manufacturer, growing. In the period between the campaign and the start of the new harvest, Avebe can run on the established stock of starch; the starch potatoes contain 1% to 1,5% protein.
Inverted world
The purchasing strategy is a special move, and it is not one that the company wants to make a permanent habit. In years of shortages on the chip potato market, starch potatoes were processed by chip producers. "In addition to starch potatoes, some of our members also grow potatoes for other sales markets," spokesperson Janet Katerberg explains. "They have had the opportunity to exercise their delivery rights and supply more potatoes."
In practice, this means that some starch potato growers act as purchasing parties and purchase product from consumption potato growers. It is not possible for consumer growers to supply directly to Avebe. According to insiders, most of the potatoes for consumption that the company processes are supplied by Lamb/Weston Meijer and Aviko Potato.
It should be noted that the starch producer is only interested in batches with a high underwater weight (OWG). Avebe does not process potatoes with, for example, 350 OWG, or oversized seed potatoes.
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Innovative protein
Katerberg does not dare to say whether the increased processing capacity means that the area of starch potatoes will increase in 2018. "The production of high-quality vegetable protein is part of our long-term strategy. In the past, this protein was boiled and dried, after which it was used in animal feed. Avebe has developed a unique cold process from which a complete protein can be extracted. In terms of functionality and Its nutritional value is equal to animal protein."
Changing eating patterns are partly responsible for an increasing demand for vegetable protein. “More people are eating vegetarian or becoming flexitarians, consuming fewer animal products,” Katerberg explains. "Vegetable protein like Solanic has an additional advantage. Vegetable protein is more sustainable and the CO2 footprint is at a lower level."
Cover photo: @JKPnieuws