As a global operator, the Dutch company Mulder will have to resort to other sources to supply the markets that require large calibre potatoes, a challenge that they have seen before in their over one hundred years of life
Fruit Today euromagazine interviewed Jordi Calatayud, from the company’s sales department.
How is the start of the campaign developing?
In principle, the sales are behaving well and we are serving a wide range of clients. We have started with early onions, which are showing very good quality this year. With the long-life varieties, we are exporting to more distant destinations, as the produce stands up to the transit much better.
Which onions are best received by the market?
This always depends on the destinations because each market has its priorities. For example, the British market, which is very important for us, always has a high demand for 60/80 and 75/105 calibres. This season, supplying these sizes will mean a real challenge as the 60/80 calibre and larger sizes will be very scarce in Holland, due to the rainfall.
What about the development of the Spanish production, which starts before yours?
It will depend a great deal on the prices. In Germany some movement is being seen on the market and we are waiting to see how the next few weeks will develop. With respect to our purchases to supply the British market, we must point out that the Spanish production has been essential for us, although I don’t think that we will reach similar levels now. On the German market, we have had problems with produce quality. However, now, with the situation that we have in Holland, it could be interesting to export from Spain.
In such a global world, how does the behaviour of other onion suppliers affect Mulder?
We have been in the world of onions for more than a century and over all these years we have always managed to adapt to any changing situation. We have a solid portfolio of clients who we have known for many years and with whom we have very good relations.
Although the situation caused by Covid-19 is starting to stabilise, are there some ups and downs on some markets due to the new variants?
Yes, historically in September the exports to Malaysia were very important. However, this year, as a result of the pandemic, the demand is lower than usual. We continue to supply produce every week, but in lower amounts.
