"I recently saw a load of grubbed potatoes going in one direction, while another of seed potatoes went the opposite way," says Ab Nieuwkerk in mid-July. He is the third generation at the helm of a Dutch company of the same name. Ab's point is that potato cultivation is currently experiencing extreme times. Despite the uncertainties, he remains optimistic about the final harvest, which depends on favorable weather conditions.
Ab Nieuwkerk at the new optical sorter
A shortage of available potatoes, coupled with high prices, brought exports to a halt in early August. "Those can start again once the new crop's skins have toughened up." Ab puts the focus on quality rather than quick-as-possible delivery. "We're usually not the first to start or the last to stop exporting. It's always risky. You must export only good, healthy products; otherwise, you'll run into problems," he says.
Ab at the new palletizer
Top destination: Eastern Europe
Nieuwkerk Aardappelhandel mostly exports to Eastern Europe, with Romania as its main market. That market is growing, but rising prices and low volumes may put it under pressure. Eastern European customers appreciate Dutch potatoes' quality, but price remains an important factor. If prices in the Netherlands are too high, clients may switch to suppliers in other countries, such as France, Germany, or Poland, which are often closer.
Investments
To increase the potatoes' quality, Nieuwkerk invested in new techniques. For example, they recently installed a new packing line with a Manter weighing system and a Downs optical grader in the unloading hall. Another new Verbruggen palletizer will be added soon, Ab adds. "Potato bag sizes are shrinking, which delays your packing capacity. With the new investments, we can up that processing capacity with the same number of people and work more consistently, ensuring quality."
Despite the price and volume uncertainties, Ab does not rule out a rise in potato exports to Eastern Europe. "Those countries have various sales channels, and with a good product, growth is possible. But you must always be able to deliver, and at the end of the season, that's sometimes difficult. If Dutch potatoes run out prematurely, you must get them from further away from, say, Belgium, France, or even Scotland to be able to deliver. That, in turn, hikes prices," he concludes.
Nieuwkerk Aardappelhandel
T: +31 (0)168 462665
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.nieuwkerk.nl