11 August 2022
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Ukraine business stalls, but Baltic state sales not a problem for Bavarian breeder.
DESPITE the current turmoil of the war in Ukraine, exports to East Europe are continuing unchanged for Bavarian seed breeder Bavaria-Saat Vertriebs Ltd.
As an internationally active trading company, Bavaria-Saat Vertriebs has been selling the varieties of the Bavaria-Saat breeding farm exclusively in Germany and abroad for almost 20 years. In addition, the company is dedicated to the trade of table potatoes. Bavaria-Saat GbR was founded in 1987 as a fusion of several traditional Bavarian potato cultivators, with partly more than 100 years of breeding experiences.
Christian Steep, Sales Manager at the seed breeding company, said: "I would describe the food market as very sluggish at the moment. Central and Eastern Europe is currently drawing on its full supply, which is why less is being imported. In general, we are trying to keep prices high, which is very challenging due to the constant supply pressure," Christian stated in an interview with Fresh Plaza.
Over the years, the Eastern European region has proven to be an important sales market for the potato grower, he said.
"Exports to the Baltic states are not a problem at all. Business with Ukraine, on the other hand, has stalled, although potatoes are still being grown in the West. There are also regular exports to Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan. Accordingly, we also have good hopes that the East will also make its presence felt at this year's Potato Europa."
In contrast to other years, the varieties from Bavaria-Saat will not be found in the event's trial field this time, but will be presented at the stand. Christian said: "We will present an excerpt of new and proven varieties to the trade public. In addition to our newly approved Petra (FreshPlaza reported), we will be focusing in particular on Lisana, another predominantly firm-cooking table potato. Especially on lighter soils, this variety guarantees a uniform yield that almost completely corresponds to the 35-65 grade, which in turn ultimately contributes to a high net yield. I am therefore also convinced that this variety will establish itself on the market in a few years."
Furthermore, the modern Bavafit chip potato will be highlighted at the trade event. This variety has already been tested at various locations in northern Germany as well as Denmark, and the first cultivation results will soon be available, he said. "Based on initial baking and taste samples, chip processors are so far quite confident that we have developed a great addition to our chip portfolio with Bavafit."
Source and photo: Fresh Plaza
