Alemania: Potato industry in Bavaria expecting only ‘slightly below-average harvest’

Especially in Bavaria, there were only occasional weather extremes in recent weeks, which is why the growth of tubers was not significantly affected and today’s producer prices are in a satisfactory level (€18-20 per 100 kg), and, since the local industry is increasingly focusing on exports, there are also interesting sales markets beyond its borders.

No significant problems

"Due to the weather so far, we expect a normal harvest within our production area of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen," says Johann Schmidt, owner of the potato wholesaler of the same name based in Dinkelshausen (Upper Bavaria). Until about 14 days ago there was regular rainfall, mostly cool nights, as well as temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees during the day. ’’In terms of the weather it has not been really extreme in our growing area and currently it looks pretty good as well. Since then there have been no significant problems this week.’

’Export procedures

For about a week, this year’s harvest season is really taking off at agricultural firm Schmidt, with the first mid-season varieties of the Marabel, Gala and Lady Amarilla varieties coming in from the field. The majority of the tubers marketed by the agricultural trade is exported directly, mainly to Italy and the Czech Republic.’’ These are, so to speak, our main customers,’’ says Schmidt. ’’On the Italian market, the proportion of industrial potatoes, such as gnocchi and chips, is increasing, while fresh consumption is declining. In the Czech Republic, a large part of the tubers ends up in peeling plants.’’

The export market is increasingly gaining in importance as more and more producers and traders specialize in supplying foreign markets. This year, there are some interesting markets outside the country’s borders as well, says Schmidt. ’’We have already received requests from Hungary and Romania. In Romania, it was alleged that one growing area was very dry and the other too wet. In the dry area there were mostly small potatoes and in the damp area there were problems with the crop as well."

Proven quality from Bavaria

With the label "Proven Quality from Bavaria", potatoes from Bavarian soil can be sold inside and outside the region. Whether Northern Germany will receive part of the harvest due to the current problems there is still questionable, according to Schmidt.

Food and seed potatoes

The purchase and sale of potatoes has been the core business of potato wholesaler Schmidt for more than 20 years. First and foremost, the company serves foreign markets and attaches great importance to long-term, trusting partnerships throughout Europe. The assortment includes both food and seed potatoes. In order to respond to as many logistics and customer requirements as possible, the regional products are offered in a wide variety of packaging units.