The Spanish early potato harvest is already underway in the two main producing areas, Murcia and Andalusia. According to Juan Manuel Coello, Sales Director of Patatas Meléndez, which this year is increasing its acreage, the yield in Murcia is similar to last year's, but the harvest in Andalusia will be reduced as a result of production losses due to the impact of the rains, as well as generally smaller sizes.
"We are already fully involved with the early Spanish potato production. We have been harvesting early potatoes from Cartagena, Murcia, for around three weeks now. Yields there are somewhat lower than last season, although the product's quality and sizes are very good," says Coello.
Now the company is also starting with the first potato harvests in Andalusia, where, according to its Sales Director, the latest rains have not only delayed the harvest, but also caused a drop in the production volumes. "We are expecting a lower production in Andalusia. There will be greater differences in terms of quality from one batch to another, and, in general, sizes will be smaller."
Given the more limited supply, prices at the beginning of the season are high. This is quite normal, although according to Juan Manuel Coello, "this season they are higher than usual at this time of year."
Patatas Meléndez has expanded its early potato acreage by 12%, and in Castile-Leon, it will grow by around 15%. "We are looking to continue to grow nationally and increase our exports to central and northern European countries, as well as to Eastern Europe."
For more information:
Patatas Meléndez
Tel.: +34 983 812 920
[email protected]
www.patatasmelendez.com