In the state of Thuringia, preparations are also underway for the final stretch of this year's potato season. "I would describe the 2024 harvest as average," says Theresa Wasserek, managing director of KARLAND Agrarprodukte GmbH & Co. KG. "The regional potatoes were consistently stable and have stored well in cold storage so far. However, there were some external defects, which we were able to sort out thanks to visual sorting. Loads that looked good when they were stored ended up discolored. In terms of quality, it was certainly not the easiest potato year."
According to the service provider, availability has been continuous thus far for regional table potatoes and onions. Wasserek: "Some of our large producers specialize in late marketing and have the appropriate long-term storage technology. These specialists still have enough produce in stock to ensure that we will be able to connect to the regional early potato harvest at the end of June, similar to last year." In addition, imported produce from Egypt is currently being packaged, accounting for 15-20 per cent of the total. "This share will increase in the coming weeks."
Karland, based north of Weimar, is considered a reliable service provider for the regional food retail trade.
Prices for regional table potatoes have been stable and virtually unchanged for some time. However, it cannot be ruled out that a price increase may be negotiated for the final phase of the marketing season. "Currently, we are seeing a balanced market situation, which is also reflected in the price," says Wasserek. Overall, this year's prices are slightly below last year's level. The planting of early potatoes also officially heralded the start of the new 25/26 potato season. "Thanks to good, predominantly dry field conditions, planting progressed well, and around 70 per cent of the table potatoes are already in the ground."
Insight into the product range of KARLAND Agrarprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
Continuity characterizes regional potato cultivation
KARLAND Agrarprodukte GmbH & Co. KG has been dedicated to the procurement, processing, and marketing of regionally and nationally produced table potatoes for over three decades. "We have noticed that many producers have invested in modern storage and cultivation technology in recent years. Cultivation capacities have remained relatively unchanged. In this respect, we see a certain continuity in regional potato cultivation," Wasserek continues.
The future of the potato market is shaped by various factors that bring both opportunities and challenges. The company's management sees future priorities in the further expansion of technology in the production process and in adapting to the increasing quality requirements of customers. "We see ourselves as a link between potato producers and customers, with the clear goal of continuously promoting sustainability in potato production and thus shaping a responsible future for all involved," she concludes.
For more information:
Konstantin Barthel
KARLAND Agrarprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
Heichelheim
Weg nach Schwerstedt 16
99439 Am Ettersberg
Tel: 03643 420496
Fax: 03643 420497
[email protected]
www.karland.de