Israeli growers are exporting more organic potatoes to the UK market using smaller collapsible crates rather than giant jumbo bags. Marketing organisation Agrexco says this provides better protection for the potatoes. On arrival, packers are still carrying out a final grading to meet retail requirements. The main variety continues to be Nicola, available until May with an export programme to the UK forecast to reach 4,000 tonnes. There are also limited quantities of Remarka. The majority of the organic crop is grown in the Negev region with some small pockets in the Biet Shean Valley. Israel's potato industry is continuing to develop varieties of traditionally grown new potatoes for specific customers. At present M&S is exclusively offering Rebecca priced at £1.99 per punnet. The current UK crop situation has given a general lift to imports, with a substantial part of overwintered main crop now rotting in the ground after frost and waterlogging. There are also fears for late harvested potatoes in store. There are no fewer than four Mediterranean Nicola sources available this week on the markets. Apart from Israel at £6 for 10kg and a similar weight pack from Egypt at a pound less , there is also Spanish (£8.50/20 kg) and Morocco (£7.50/15kg). The first Cyprus potatoes are expected to arrive by mid month. Meanwhile, the Dutch main crop has increased and is making between £4-£4.50/25kg. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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