Recent frosts in Israel have hit winter potato volumes this season, with bakers worst affected.

But demand for Israeli new potatoes has soared this year.

The first significant volumes of Israeli potatoes will arrive in the UK in the next few weeks, in line with last season.

Israeli exporter MTEX is set to almost triple its sendings to the UK this season, with the biggest increase in the organic category.

This means the UK market will represent a higher percentage of the MTEX marketing mix.

Marius du Plessis, general manager of MTEX UK, told freshinfo: “The increase in exports to the UK is due to huge investment and growth in our own production, as well as excellent partnerships with our grower suppliers in Israel.

“MTEX started investing and marketing potatoes a mere five years ago and, since then, we have become one of the top three exporters from Israel.”

Du Plessis reported that the spring crop, which has just been planted and has been protected from the crop, has not been affected by the weather. “With sensible marketing by all role players and small adjustments on size specifications by all consumers, the UK could have an good Israeli winter and spring potato campaign,” he said.

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