Plenty of sweet potatoes but little demand
While last year it was the art of getting enough, this year it is the art to sell enough sweet potat…While last year it was the art of getting enough, this year it is the art to sell enough sweet potatoes. "We are currently in a difficult period," says Robert Voskamp of Vitaal Europe, based in Poeldijk. "In addition to American, there is still Egyptian and Spanish product on the market, which means too much supply with little demand."
Vitaal Europe mainly imports American and Egyptian sweet potatoes, where this season they can deliver again throughout the year. Their own brands Sweet Eagle and Sweet Falcon are very popular, according to Robert. “We see a lot of demand for these brands. Customers specifically choose it because of the guaranteed good quality. Moreover, our own brands give us the opportunity to distinguish ourselves from other growers and importers. Due to the high prices of last season, more and more growers around the world are looking at the possibilities of growing sweet potatoes. In countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Portugal, Guatemala and also the Netherlands; growers have started growing sweet potatoes all over the world or have expanded their cultivation. Every grower is looking for a product that generates money. "
200 containers
As a result, there is more than enough product on the market this season. “In America we had a good harvest thanks to the good weather conditions, so there are also enough sweet potatoes available. In November we unloaded our first American containers. Last season we were on 150 containers, this season there will be 200. "
Expectation
“I expect it will be a difficult season with a continuous supply. That makes it difficult to earn anything. From January onwards the demand usually increases somewhat, so I hope it will get better. Now we just have to wait until the last European and Egyptian product is off the market and then hope that it will improve. Compared to last season, the situation is really the other way around.” The importer is no longer surprised. "No year is the same."