Potatoes delivered to the door. It is possible in the Zeeland Goes and surroundings. Potato delivery service Potato Monday delivers potatoes from the grower directly to the consumer, without intermediate links
“The idea arose last summer when potato grower Jos van Iwaarden from Rilland told me that the potato sector was doing badly. The prizes he receives do not cover the costs and due to the corona crisis, the future did not look very bright ”, says initiator of Potato Monday, Gerard Nijsse. “Then we started brainstorming what we can do about this situation. You can stand on the sidelines and whine, but you can also try to do something about it. And so the potato delivery service was born. ”
Fair price
“Our price is about the same level already in the supermarket, so that’s not the difference. We have looked at the price for which we can offer the potatoes, including the delivery costs. The grower now receives 22 cents per kilo, a fair price proposed by grower Jos himself ”, says Gerard. “I do have the feeling that the consumer is willing to pay a little more for the potatoes they buy. However, the problem is all the intermediaries that also have to make some money from the potatoes. By removing these links, the grower can finally earn something from his product and the consumer has delivered a tasty fresh potato at home. ”
Need for the service
At the moment, Potato Monday only works with the potato grower from Rilland, but they are in talks with other growers to also start supplying in other areas. “Our plan is to supply all of Zeeland and, if possible, beyond. We have only been working for a few weeks, but we are getting very good responses and we have already built up a nice customer base. This indicates that there is a need for our service and that there is certainly potential to further expand the service, ”says Gerard.
Fontane
Currently, the potato delivery service offers one type of potato. “We are considering whether to expand our range or whether to stick to one variety,” says Gerard. “Nowadays there are a lot of different types of potatoes in the supermarkets. You used to have one potato variety and everyone was satisfied with that. Jos van Iwaarden has the Fontane, a very all-round potato. Why make it difficult when it can also be easy? We also look at other products such as vegetables or fruit. The same story also applies to these products. There are so many beautiful products in Zeeland that can be easily delivered to your home. ”
Packaging
The potatoes that Potato Monday delivers are delivered in an authentic powder crate or jute bag. “In this way we reduce the use of plastic packaging. The crates and jute bags are reused, a beautiful sustainable method that is very popular with our customers. In addition to end consumers, we also want to focus on the catering industry. We are currently also in talks with snack bars and healthcare institutions. In short, a lot of ideas and opportunities. If growers have questions or tips, we hear it go. We don’t care if they agree or disagree with us. We want to be there for the grower and contribute to a better earnings model. All ideas are welcome ”, Gerard concludes.
So, three birds with one stone. First of all, the farmer always receives a fair price, regardless of what the potato market does. Second, the potatoes are not in the plastic, but the creation of a circular packaging method. An authentic potato box, or an old-fashioned jute bag, both immediately reusable! Then, delivered at home on the next Monday after the consumer’s request (subscription-free). For example, Potato Monday brings the potatoes directly from the farmer to the consumer. A fair, sustainable and local supply chain.
For more information:
Gerard Nijsse
Potato Monday
www.potatomonday.nl
