Ibérica de Patatas

Despite a rise in turnover of 40% in 2013 caused by a sharp increase in the prices of consumption potatoes, the Spanish leader still markets a volume of 129,000 tonnes. 

“While we have seen a slight drop in consumption since 2013 because of high prices, we are keeping our forecasts the same for 2014 since prices are still falling and speculation is not expected,” says their director Pablo Jimenez. In their commitment to local produce, on 15th March they launched the campaign for primor potatoes from Málaga, the earliest variety in Spain. The company supplies more than 20 items (varieties) in all kinds of packages of washed, unwashed and fourth range potatoes. “We have been working with potatoes for over 50 years as suppliers at the source and destination,” explains Pablo. Ibérica imports about 7,000 tonnes of seed, supplying over 1,000 partner farmers. Soprano (Meijer), Universa (Gopex) and Voyager (HZPC). 
Above all, the company promotes sustainable, environmentally-friendly cultivation. “We are also very ecological as regards distribution, using a package produced with 70% lower CO2 emissions,” says Pablo. They also optimize productivity in packaging, with a large packaging and handling capacity of over 1,000 tonnes/day. They operate 5 packaging lines, 4 washed lines and 1 unwashed, with 10 machines for weighing and 20 for packaging. Their strategic location in Mercamadrid minimizes delivery times. A pioneer in R&D, their strong commitment to fourth range potatoes (fresh and peeled) achieved its goals last year with more than 4,000 tonnes distributed through the foodservice industry. They made a new investment of €1.5 million with a new production line to quadruple their capacity. The fourth range now accounts for 5% of their sales and keeps on growing. Ibérica de Patatas is the only potato supplier with ISO 9001, IFS and certification for its services to its customers. “We stand for healthy nutrition with potatoes, as a foodstuff that is very low in calories and rich in minerals.”  
PE