Egyptian processing potatoes were the main source for European factories from February to May

Worse than running out of potatoes on supermarket shelves, potato processing factories can't afford a stock-out. Yassen Abdelhay, export advisor at Arafa Group, reports on the crucial period for European factories from February to May 2023, and how Egyptian producers played a key role during this phase.

Abdelhay says: "Potato supply has become the main concern for all potato processors. If a factory runs out of potatoes, it can cost millions of dollars in lost market share, and it can also affect the viability of the business. Over the last two years, we've learned that potato production in the EU is not sufficiently sustainable to enable processors to adequately cover year-round demand for raw materials, for a number of reasons; European growers are faced with a number of factors that can no longer be denied, and which imply a sharp break with the past. Abdelhay lists these factors.