This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Despite European Consumption Potato Surpluses, W”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
The shelf space in retail in northwestern Europe is currently divided between domestic storage potatoes and imported new potatoes. "Despite the potato surpluses from the previous campaign, which are clearly pressuring the market, we are satisfied with the current early potato business. At the moment, we are barely handling 'spot' demand. Instead, fixed volume agreements and contract programs predominate," explains Jan Preiss, owner of the company Preiss Agrar, Handel & Beratung e.K., based in Ebstorf.
The importer is primarily engaged in the import and distribution of early consumption potatoes from Egypt. It supplies packaging plants, wholesale markets, and other commercial links in about 16 European countries. "This year's campaign started somewhat earlier than last year's, probably due to the dates of Ramadan. Our customers' interest was high, especially in having stocks before that period."
A Normal Marketing Campaign Expected
Current prices are roughly at the level of the previous year. Jan Preiss notes: "We do not expect any surprises and, for now, we anticipate a completely normal early potato campaign. In the second half of the season, we will probably have less volume pressure, which is related to competition from countries like Israel and Spain. Israel will be less present in many markets due to the war situation, and in Spain, a smaller harvest is expected due to climatic reasons. Therefore, no price drop towards the end of the campaign like last year is expected." Origins such as Cyprus, Italy, and Malta play a more secondary role in the packaged product segment. Preiss Agrar normally markets Egyptian early potatoes until the end of June.
Growing Demand for Red Onions
In addition to early potatoes, Preiss Agrar is involved in the purchase and marketing of Egyptian consumption onions. "In particular, red onions are gaining popularity in local markets during June and July, alongside the supply from New Zealand. The same applies to yellow onions in the second half of the year. However, this year I see fewer sales opportunities, as the domestic market is still well supplied with stored product." In the onion sector, sales vary greatly from year to year, he adds.
Export of Egyptian Carrots
For two years, Preiss Agrar has also seasonally offered carrots of Egyptian origin. "Although this business is still in its infancy and needs to develop over the next few years, we already have customer orders, which pleases us greatly. The product quality from origin is very good, partly thanks to hydro-cooling at source. However, the price difference between Egyptian carrots and those imported from southern Europe is relatively large. Therefore, the market only absorbs them when the European supply, mainly from Spain and Italy, is more limited. Due to the distance and complex logistics, we try to access the market through Adriatic ports or Balkan countries."
Satisfactory Sweet Potato Campaign
Sweet potatoes complete the range of products of Egyptian origin. "In general, availability starts from mid to late July, but over time we have withdrawn from this very early marketing, as business is limited at that time. Normally, the first goods arrive in August, and the campaign extends until the end of January. The past campaign was very satisfactory, with high prices, so the final balance is positive," he concludes.
Preiss Agrar works in Egypt exclusively with certified, reliable, and long-standing partners. Common standards include GlobalG.A.P., GRASP, GlobalG.A.P., and BRC. For more information: Jan Preiss Preiss Agrar, Trade & Consultancy e.K. Brüggerfeld 36 D-29574 Ebstorf Tel.: +49 5822 947483 [email protected] www.preissagrar.eu
