The Scottish seed potato sector continues to sell seed potatoes to Egypt. In October and November, Scotland delivered over 50.000 tons of seed potatoes destined for Egypt.
Dutch seed potato growers are having a very difficult time doing business with Egypt this season. Initially, there was high hopes, but the lack of transactions has dampened the mood.
For example, at the beginning of the season, Spunta potatoes were selling for €70 to €80 per 100 kilos, but as time went on, the price dropped to just €25 per 100 kilos. This meant that potatoes were selling for prices well below cost.
Very good
Prices for Scottish seed potatoes are unknown, but in terms of volume, the Scots are doing well. Exports of over 50.000 tons are simply excellent. Last year, sales of Scottish seed potatoes to Egypt peaked, ultimately amounting to around 62.000 tons. The majority of this was delivered before December 1st, but another 17.000 tons were subsequently shipped to Egyptian buyers. This further demonstrates that a large quantity was shipped before December this year.
For a long time, the Hermes variety has been the largest exporter of seed potatoes from Scotland to Egypt. Total Scottish export volume of this variety has stabilized at around 16.000 tons for years. The Cara variety has long since overtaken Hermes in this regard. This year, it reached a record export of over 25.000 tons.
The Scots are also achieving higher exports this year of the Atlantic and Désirée varieties. The former currently stands at around 6.200 tons, the highest volume of this variety ever. Exports of Désirée fluctuate considerably annually. This year, it seems reasonably good, with 1.200 tons exported through November.
Egypt
A key issue for seed potato companies doing business with Egypt is payment for the product. In the past, even large seed potato trading houses encountered payment problems in the country. In recent years, this problem has lessened because, in most cases, the seed potatoes had to be paid for before delivery.
This year, things are more difficult in that regard, because table potato growers in Egypt have been confronted with very low prices. Therefore, they are now trying to pay part upfront and part later. All in all, the Netherlands is seeing much lower demand from Egypt. This is also the reason why prices have come under so much pressure.