Due to the high demand for table potatoes as a result of the corona crisis, our own stock in Switzerland is currently insufficient. The country therefore imports 8.000 tons of ware potatoes from abroad.
Swisspatat, the trade organization for Swiss potatoes, has requested an additional import quota from the government with an effective date of April 1. Ruedi Fischer, vice-chairman of Swisspatat, said this Swiss farmer. “Due to the corona crisis, extra table potatoes are needed at short notice.”
Fischer has noticed a clear shift in the potato market. While there are shortages in table potatoes, there is now a surplus in the processing industry. “A very difficult situation is emerging, especially for French fries potatoes, now that restaurants, fast food chains, ski resorts and other major buyers of French fries are obliged to close.”
No shortage in the medium term
Swisspatat states that, where possible, industrial potato varieties should be used as consumption potatoes. And that there must be a stop to the import of processed potatoes. The organization also warns growers against expanding the area. Fischer: “The increase in imports is due to the exceptional situation caused by the coronavirus. I do not assume that potato consumption will increase significantly in the medium term.”
The trade organization expects retailers to make a clear commitment to the domestic harvest. “As soon as the first Swiss new potatoes are available, we must switch back to our own products as quickly as possible.”
Lively market
Switzerland is not the only country where an increasing demand for table potatoes is noticeable. Previously there were reports about one from countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy lively market for table potatoes. Supplies are also becoming scarce in Russia, causing exports to the country to pick up again. Producers of early potatoes, including from Egypt, are taking advantage of the situation.