This new era will also be marked by the incorporation of technology, both in the fields and in their warehouse.
The evolution of the potato market, in which priority is given to a more select product, with greater differentiation between top and second qualities, is promoting a strong trend towards the implementation of technological advances.
This situation has not passed by unnoticed by José Beltrán, Manager of the company from Alicante, Patatas Beltrán, who points out that “we must join the technological revolution in order to be present on the markets. In our sector the same will happen as has already occurred in others, such as the lemon and orange industry, which is light years ahead of us, technologically-speaking.”
Patatas Beltrán, as an important producer has been making significant, constant investments in the fields with the acquisition of latest generation tractors, harvesters and grubbers. “We are continuously reinvesting in technology. We believe that it is absolutely essential to maintain our position as a competitive company on the market. The investments in the fields have reached eight million euros in recent years, and we are going to continue with the same dynamic in our warehouse. The company is in full expansion, which, over the last decade, has tripled its size.”
In fact, very recently it acquired a box palletising robot for the centre that the company owns in the town of Daya Vieja (Alicante). “We are experiencing a time of constant reinvestment because, without it, companies lose their competitiveness. Additionally, in our case we have a double persona: that of producer and warehouse company,” the executive explains.
Current early potato campaign
Regarding the campaign that is starting now, the executive states that there is a delay in the harvest and an important reduction in kilos: “The harvest is certain to all come at the same time in June, but the companies are getting ready for it.”
The company obtains potatoes for industry from productions in Seville, and consumption potatoes from productions in the Cartagena area. “Our goal always involves obtaining top quality potatoes.”
The company from Alicante, the representative of Stet in Spain, is clearly opting for varieties such as Bricata (for frying and washed), Vitalia or Tyson.
