The harvest of early potatoes in Spain is starting to get going. But according to sources, the yields are not easy due to an unfavorable course of the growing season. Add to that a shrinkage in the acreage of early potatoes and there is quite a bit of tension in the market. This before the season has even started.
The growing season started dry and with cold nights, especially on the east coast of Spain. That did not help growth at the start of this season. In the case of potatoes, it also resulted in fewer plants. There was rain in March and early April, but in some places it was too much of a good thing. Where 100 to 150 millimeters fell (including in Seville and Andalusia) there was no problem, but in the regions of Valencia and Murcia where 300 to 500 millimeters fell, crops were damaged.
Tight offer
The disappointing yields, in combination with a shrinking area of early potatoes, is causing a number of traders to become concerned. Agreements with buyers have largely been made and the season for early potatoes is short-lived. Leaving potatoes for longer to gain some extra kilos is therefore not an option. In addition, Egypt and Israel are also present on the European market with new potatoes.
A shortage in the supply of new potatoes also offers opportunities for old harvest that is still in storage. If the price gap becomes too large, there is a great temptation for traders to fill in as much as possible with old harvest.