Avebe started processing potatoes into starch and protein, among other things, this week. In the coming months, potatoes will be delivered to the factories six days a week. Avebe doesn't dare say anything about the harvest yet.
In the Netherlands, the factory in Gasselternijveen was the first to start supplying and processing potatoes. The factory in Ter Apelkanaal will start in mid-September. In Germany, the supply and processing of potatoes will also start this week at the factory in Dallmin. The factory in Lüchow will start in early September.
According to Avebe, nothing can be said yet about the expected harvest of 2024. The company points to the wet spring (the second in a row), which has caused many growers to have difficulty getting the seed potatoes into the ground on time. As a result, there are major regional differences in emergence and growth, Avebe notes. In general, the crops are doing well, according to the company, because the growing conditions have also improved since May.
Avebe sells the (processed) starch and protein from the potatoes as high-quality ingredients for various industries. According to the company, they are processed in (vegetable) foods, packaging materials, construction products and animal feed. For example, the ingredients can be found in coatings for pizza boxes, as an egg substitute in baked goods and in vegetable dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, Avebe gives as striking examples.