The Netherlands has begun supplying potatoes, originally intended for processing, to the Ukraine, according to a report published by the Russian based potato news website, Potato System.
Due to the closure of restaurants, cafes and hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the production of french fries has effectively stalled for the time being in the Netherlands and Belgium. Market analysts estimate the glut of processing potatoes to be around 2 million tons.
Meanwhile, the Dutch government announced a commitment of €50 million to support potato producers and processors affected by the situation.
Despite the fact that these varieties are not intended for fresh consumption, the processing potatoes from the Netherlands sell well on the fresh market in the Ukraine, mostly because these potatoes are of high quality, while it is sold at prices similar to local Ukrainian potatoes.
This is no doubt very beneficial for Dutch suppliers, otherwise the product would have gone to waste.
On average, Ukrainian wholesalers sell Dutch potatoes for around 30-35 US cents per kg (8-9 UAH / kg) delivered in Kiev. At the same time, prices for potatoes in Ukraine remain stable, and consumer demand begins to switch to early local potatoes, which are starting to enter the market at this time.
Source: Potato System
Photo: Courtesy Potato System
