Asociafruit, an association that brings together around 80% of Andalusia's potato producers and traders, is sounding the alarm regarding the collapse of new potato sales in the Spanish market, which may put the industry's future in serious jeopardy. Andalusia's acreage has fallen by more than 47%, from 23,500 hectares in 2004 to 10,800 in 2013, while nationwide these totals have dropped from 5,180.5 million tonnes and 257,200 hectares n 2002 to 2193.5 tonnes and 73,700 hectares in 2012.
This critical situation for the new potato domestic market has been countered in recent years with a greater effort in the field of exports, which appears to have reversed the balance between imports and exports over the past decade. Thus, while 70% of the production in 2013 went to the domestic market and 30% was shipped overseas, 70% of the production in 2013 is exported, and just 30% is absorbed by the domestic market; a trend which is marked to continue this way in the coming years.
The difference between preserved and new potatoes is clear, although there are some misunderstandings and misinformation. The bright washed skin of the former leads consumers into confusing them with new potatoes; nothing further from reality. Preserved potatoes are stored for months at low temperatures (of up to four degrees Celsius). This has a direct effect on the product's properties and taste, as below ten degrees, potato starch turns into sugar. This causes the product to burn during frying and to acquire an overly sweet taste. For their part, new potatoes are marketed directly after being harvested. The Spanish weather conditions allow for new potatoes to be grown all year round, and as such consumers are able to consume fresh potatoes without resorting to preserved potatoes.
The financial crisis has changed consumer habits in the Spanish domestic market, with the introduction and spread of preserved potatoes. In any case, the difference in price, as stated by Javier Boceta, is insignificant when put into perspective. "An average Spaniard consumes 23 kilos of potatoes a year. These 23 kilos of potatoes a year, in the case of new potatoes, would cost 23 Euro per year, compared to 12 Euro for preserved potatoes. The impact on the family budget is zero, "says Boceta.
The financial crisis has changed consumer habits in the Spanish domestic market, with the introduction and spread of preserved potatoes. In any case, the difference in price, as stated by Javier Boceta, is insignificant when put into perspective. "An average Spaniard consumes 23 kilos of potatoes a year. These 23 kilos of potatoes a year, in the case of new potatoes, would cost 23 Euro per year, compared to 12 Euro for preserved potatoes. The impact on the family budget is zero, "says Boceta.
Two aspects are considered essential by Asociafrut to turn the situation around. Firstly, Spanish distribution chains must show their trust in the benefits of new potatoes over preserved potatoes. In this sense, according to Boceta, there are some nationwide chains already planning to sell exclusively new potatoes, with the rest expected to join in. Secondly, a clear differentiation is needed at the points of sale between new and preserved potatoes. In February, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries held a meeting with the main national association to move forward in the introduction of these regulations.
Source: interempresas.net