Israel's potato harvest is due to start a few weeks earlier than usual in response to requests from Europe, where heavy winter rains have affected crops. Writes about it Eastfruit with reference to FreshPlaza.
“We are seeing earlier than usual demand for potatoes from Israel in Europe. Usually the main deliveries from us to Europe start from the 17th to the 18th week, but now it will most likely start earlier, from about the 14th-15th week,” says Eitan Botzer, Managing Director of Atzmona Potato Production, an Israeli exporter and a producer of organic and conventional potatoes and carrots.
“The emphasis is mainly on organic potatoes, our customers and importers in Europe ask us to deliver them earlier due to the uncertain quality of the potato crop in these countries, which is caused by heavy rains.
Israeli growers will be able to adjust the growing season and deliver to European customers earlier, despite the fact that some of our blocks were affected by frost in January and early February. The damage was limited due to manufacturers making the necessary adjustments to be able to ship faster,” says Botzer.
Eitan Botzer noted that manufacturers in Israel face several important challenges:
The exchange rate is not in our favor. The shekel strengthened against the euro and the pound amid a general strengthening of the Israeli economy. The cost of seed potatoes per ton has risen sharply compared to August, when we started stockpiling seeds. We order potatoes from the Netherlands, Germany, France and Scotland. The increase in prices per ton is between 220 and 230 euros and 200 pounds from Scotland.”
Ground logistics has risen in price due to fuel and dollar rates, which are growing up to 7-8%. Due to the growth of all these costs, we assume that the prices of our products should be adjusted. This increase should offset the increase in production costs. We must settle for something acceptable to all. When everything rises in price, it is unpleasant, but it is necessary to take into account the interests of buyers and come to a compromise.