In recent years, Ibérica de Patatas has implemented a series of technological upgrades at its Mercamadrid headquarters. Pablo Jiménez, company executive, explains that “two of the existing lines have been upgraded with optical sorters, state-of-the-art polishers, higher-capacity washers with lower water and energy consumption, and we are now working on the renovation of a third line, which will also feature a latest-generation optical sorter.”
Once the refurbishment is completed, only one washed potato line will remain to be upgraded, in addition to the line dedicated to unwashed product.
Production triples
The new technology triples the output of previous lines and will contribute to a substantial improvement in product quality, both in terms of size and visual selection. In 2024, the company reached a total volume of 145 million kilos.
This production is distributed between retail and wholesale markets, as Ibérica de Patatas operates 10 sales stands within Mercamadrid. The company also supplies the Horeca channel, both in fresh (I gama) and fresh-cut (IV gama), including peeled and freshly cut potatoes.
Another area of activity is the sale of seed potatoes to growers. “It is a way to maintain control over product quality, while also providing advice on the most suitable seed depending on our customers’ demand,” Jiménez explains.
Andalusian extra-early potatoes
The Madrid-based company is one of the first to enter the market with new potatoes from the province of Málaga. Like other southern Spanish regions, the crop has been affected by extreme weather conditions this winter, particularly storms.
RELATED NEWS: Fresh potato consumption falls by more than 4.5 kg over 10 years
“All of this will result in lower harvest volumes, which will be the general trend for extra-early potatoes this season,” the executive notes.
A local product with strong demand
Later in the year, during the summer months, Ibérica markets its “Patata Castiza”, a product certified with the “M” label, indicating origin from the Community of Madrid—a fully local potato that continues to enjoy strong consumer acceptance.
