Andalusia-grown early potatoes are set to have a high profile at the forthcoming Fruit Logistica fresh produce exhibition in Berlin, following a year that has seen growers consolidate their leading position in Spain and across Europe.

According to denomination of origin organisation Producers & Exporters Andalusian Early Potatoes, growers in Andalusia increased overall production levels of the product by 4.5 per cent in 2008 to more than 364,000 tonnes. The group is now the leading producer of early potatoes in Spain, with a 75 per cent share of the national market.

The group is aiming to consolidate its successful appearance at last year’s Fruit Logistica with tasting events to highlight the qualities of Andalusian early potatoes as a fundamentally important part of a healthy and balanced diet.

According to association president Mariano Ruiz, the group is aiming to “publicise the distinctive values of Andalusian early potatoes in the European market and recover market share in the Mediterranean region from non-EU countries”.

Producers & Exporters Andalusian Early Potatoes was launched by the Association of Producers and Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato at last year’s Fruit Logistica.

The association is comprised of 20 grower members who farm approximately 12,000ha in the Spanish region. Some 25 per cent of the annual production of Andalusian early potatoes is exported to EU countries, including Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium.

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