New potatoes in short supply, so Maltese potatoes most welcome

The Dutch company Altena Potatoes received its first full truckloads of Santé potatoes.

Kees Schouten General manager at Altena Potatoes:
 

"We started carefully last week already, but that wasn't significant. We can now truly get going."

"There's always demand for the first Maltese potatoes. That will undoubtedly be no less now it's sunny, and Easter is almost here. And although prices are quite firm, many customers, particularly the market vendors, are eager to get their hands on the new crop."

"Imported potato alternatives are limited too. Morocco has an export ban, so few Nicolas are on the market. There aren't many new potatoes coming in from other countries, either. Egypt's sending, but of varying quality. Malta's yields were lower, too, due to rainfall."

Altena has worked with the Maltese potato company Quality Fruit & Vegetables, run by Raphael Scerri, for many years. After Santé potatoes, it offers the well-known Alpha and Musica varieties later in the season.