This week, Martin Oudenes is celebrating six months with My Roots & More. The importer was among the pioneers in marketing sweet potatoes in Europe and they are still among the key products today. "What started 20 years ago as a test with a few containers to import from the US and Egypt, has today grown into a major product that also deals with large volumes," he says.
"Sweet potatoes are a healthy product group, which is still experiencing consumption growth among consumers. I am convinced that those sales can continue to grow even further," Martin says. "We are currently seeing a decline in the volume of old crop sweet potatoes from the United States. Some exporters have already finished shipping to the EU. With my current supplier, I expect to continue until mid-August, as long as the quality remains good," Martin says.
He went to Egypt last weekend to visit grower Shahid Elmalika and see what produce he will send this year. "This year, a total acreage increase of 25-30% is expected in Egypt. We will start the Egyptian harvest on a small scale the third week of July, but will get more volume in during the following weeks. From September to March, we will be back to good volumes. We are also expected to extend the season a little longer, perhaps until May 2025."
"Spain is still facing water problems. We see less and less volume coming from here, also because of the higher volumes and price violence from Egypt. This makes it quite difficult for Spaniards in general to get a good price for the product," Martin continued. "Honduras, too, will reduce its volumes in the coming weeks as Egypt sets foot on the market."
For more information:
Martin Oudenes
My Roots & More
Benedenheulseweg 3
2821 LR Stolwijk
Tel: +31 182717180
Mob: +31 622442981
[email protected]
www.myrootsandmore.nl