The increase in demand for potatoes in Germany was reported by farmers' shops, marketers, and retail packaging companies, writes Alfons Deter in his article on www.topagrar.com.
German potato producers have also confirmed sales growth, especially with regard to organic products. In this regard, they warn buyers that fresh organic potatoes from the previous year's crop are not suitable for long-term storage in the household and should be used quickly.
Potato shortages are not expected in Germany, although producers increased their exports in the second half of last year, but the supply situation for the local market is still good. On the other hand, the export of German fries, especially to Asia, suffers due to logistical problems.
The German Potato Trade Association DKHV also reports high potato sales from Germany, with processing plants and packers working to the limit to meet high demand.
The association declares to consumers that the supply of German potatoes is guaranteed. In recent years, a modern and risk-free infrastructure has been created in Germany to offer German potatoes throughout the year. This has been made possible thanks to investments in innovative refrigerated storage systems, which ensure consistently high potato quality and guarantee retail supply.
Thomas Herkenrath, president of DKHV and an international potato dealer said: “We have seen a surge in potato sales since mid-March, some supermarket shelves have been empty. Of course, we are pleased with the popularity of this product. However, in our experience, not all private households are able to properly store large quantities of fresh potatoes. That's why we highly recommend: it’s better to buy potatoes in the supermarket as needed, there is no shortage, there are large volumes of potatoes in our specially equipped warehouses. ”
Meanwhile, local potato growers have already opened the early potato season.
Typically in Germany, potato planting begins around March 10th. As a rule, farmers plant pre-sprouted potatoes, immediately starting in the soil, and cover about a third of the area with foil material for faster growth, so that the first early locally produced potatoes go on sale from mid-May.