News on Food Trends from the Netherlands

Royal Cosun (parent of potato processor Aviko) closed 2020 with a slightly higher group result than in 2019. Aviko had an exceptionally turbulent year. Lockdowns exerted pressure on Aviko’s turnover in the foodservice channel, whereas other business groups benefited directly or indirectly from higher sales in the retail channel.

Until December 31, 2020 the North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) was a 5 country organization, but the organization started 2021 without the British AHDB. Also, Victor Pfaff stepped down as NEPG secretary and is replaced by Daniel Ryckmans.

Dutch criminals are increasingly using exports to Africa to launder money which is subsequently invested in diamonds and gold from the continent, FIOD chief Bert Langerak has said.

This year HZPC expects to own the first prototype of a hybrid potato variety. These potatoes will be sown instead of planted, and that offers a perspective for the food security of areas that are hard to reach.

With the pilot, 'smart big bags' HZPC uses the internet of things to share knowledge and get a better grip on the delivery process of seed potatoes.

Potato coop Agrico held its annual central general members' meeting last week. During this online meeting, the annual figures for 2019/2020 were discussed and Agrico's digital transformation was addressed.

NEPG (North-Western European Potato Growers) is unsure of the current potato situation and does not expect major changes in the demand side of the market in the coming weeks.

Dutch Potato Starch cooperative Royal Avebe today publishes its integrated annual report 2019/2020.

In financial year 2019/2020 Dutch Potato Starch Producer Royal Avebe achieved a performance price of 96.15 euros. This is a fraction below the record result - 96.63 euros - of the previous financial year.

During the half-yearly trading day of potato breeder HZPC Holding B.V., it appeared that the supply of certificates has increased again. The price of the certificate of share has been set at EUR 118,15.

The corona crisis dealt a blow to the fries processing industry and that in turn had consequences for the growers who supply the industry.

The annual Potato Days in Joure are a valued networking event attracting hundreds of growers and customers from many countries.

Today, Agrico will present its new varieties on its new online platform, agricopotatoes.com. This platform is also the next step in the digital transformation of the potato cooperative.

PIP Innovations, the manufacturer of D-Blade - a robotic produce cutter - partners with FoodeQ, maker of vibratory shakers to accelerate global expansion by offering a tested combination of shakers and robot technology.

Public appreciation of the food and agriculture sector is greater in 2020 than it was two years ago. This applies to all sub-sectors, apart from pig farming, which is held in the same esteem as it was in 2018.

Only last week the organisers of PotatoEurope 2021 have opened the pre-registration for former participants of
PotatoEurope and already now a great number of participants have signed up for the upcoming edition.

The 2019/2020 financial year has been eventful in many respects for seed potato supplier HZPC. Despite the consequences of COVID-19, the company has had an operationally successful season. The coming season, however, may well be more of a challenge.

El 1 de enero de 2020 se prohibió el uso de CIPC en la Unión Europea. La fecha límite para, entre otras cosas, el almacenamiento de patatas con CIPC se ha fijado en el 8 de octubre de 2020.