Israeli suppliers are gearing up for a successful season in the UK market. This year’s campaign is underway according to leading exporter Agrexco, with volumes expected to be steady and an emphasis placed on quality rather than quantity.
The company is reporting a smooth start with good supply of the Nicola variety, and it will be shortly moving into Carlingford, Charlotte and Exquisa with orders increasing every week.
A spokesman for the company said: “Supplies have been good and will remain so throughout the season. In terms of volume, we are slightly down on last year, but the quality has been excellent and with some favourable climatic conditions, expectations are for this to continue.
“Prices are similar to last year despite heavy pressure. Our aim is always to produce a high quality product that the end customer appreciates.”
Agrexco said it is seeing increasing demand for washed potatoes, and for varieties with good eating qualities. This year, the company is seeing increasing demand from the independent sector and has also launched a special promotion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Carmel brand. For a limited period, every pallet purchased will feature a free chronograph watch.
Ori Zafir, UK product manager, said: “We are making several improvements within the logistical operations, both in Israel and abroad, in order to give the best product, service and value.”
Organic potatoes are also looking promising for Agrexco. The company’s Mark Haydon said: “The crop has been developing well and the signs are that the quality will be excellent. Extensive work has been undertaken on the technical aspects of the product, and the results of this can now be seen in the potatoes that are arriving.”
He said they are expecting to bring in around 8,000 tonnes of organic potatoes from Israel this year.
