The CPMB undertakes the planning of production (quantities, varieties, etc.), packing, shipping and marketing of the product in foreign markets.
The CPMB systematically exports to about 20 countries, mainly in Western Europe.
The potatoes of CPMB are certified with GLOBALGAP, TESCO NURTURE MODULE, GRASP, SEDEX and IFS and have a full traceability.
With the primary goal of satisfying the particular preferences and requirements of consumers in more than 20 countries, the CPMB produce various varieties which are packed in various sizes and special packages.
The main varieties are:
- Multi-purpose varieties: Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi, Maris Piper, Marabel, etc.
- Salad potatoes: Nicola, Glorietta, Annabelle, Alliance, Monique, charlotte, La Ratte, etc.
- Floury: Cara.
- “Mini” (Babies): Nicola, Charlotte, La Ratte, Annabelle etc.
- Bakers: Cara, Marfona.
- For frying: Cara, Maris Piper, Agria, Saggita etc.
The potatoes are packed in bags of 12.5 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, Jumbo (750,1000 and 1250 kg), boxes of 500 kg and other sizes according to the requirements of the customers. Also in 3 kg nets.
The tubers are usually graded in 25-38 mm, 35-55 mm, 45+ mm, 65+ mm,72+ mm etc.
All potatoes exported by the CPMB are grown in red soil rich in iron and other trace elements that are necessary for the growth of strong and healthy plants and the production of excellent quality product with a particularly pleasant taste.
All packaged red soil potatoes have full traceability and are labeled with all the details of the producer, variety, size and weight of the potatoes. All producers cooperating with the Board apply good agricultural practices and keep all the necessary information for each plot they cultivate.
The above are a prerequisite for receiving of potatoes from the CPMB. All exported potatoes are checked at all stages of cultivation, harvesting, packing and in any case before loading for export by experienced agronomists of CPMB, as well as by the Inspection Service of the Ministry of Agriculture which issues the necessary phytosanitary certificate, where needed.
The CPMB in free market conditions following the abolition of its monopoly regime announced to all producers its intention to apply the activities provided for by law to those who wished to join the production and marketing planning of the CPMB.
Thus, under the existing legislation, the Potato S.E.K. has a duty to ensure for the benefit of producers the most beneficial financial arrangements and takes all necessary measures through its responsibilities for the planning of production and marketing, packaging, loading, sales and payments of producers as well as for the production of local certified potato seed and the import and distribution of imported potato seed.
Programming
Planning is the most decisive activity in the whole process of production and marketing of Cypriot red potatoes and the success of each harvest mainly depends on it. Unfortunately, programming after 2004 is inevitably influenced by the decisions of other exporters and producers who do not cooperate with the Council.
Potato quality.
Η ποιότητα των Κυπριακών πατατών κοκκινογής αποτελεί τον πιο σπουδαίο παράγοντα για την εξασφάλιση ικανοποιητικών τιμών και την επίτευξη των σκοπών του Συμβουλίου.
Packaging
The Council shall be responsible for the receipt and packaging of the producers’ potatoes.
The CPMB uses:
- Its packaging located in Larnaca
- The packaging of the Cyprus Potato Producers Group (PDO) in Liopetri
- The packaging of the company CYPE in Xylophagos
- The Astromeritis-Nicosia packaging
- The Packing Plant of East Paphos
- Loading and transporting potatoes
The Council, through tenders and continuous monitoring of the charter market and transport, ensures ships, containers and trucks/refrigerators for the transport of potatoes to the markets of the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Arab countries and elsewhere.
Potato disposal / sales prices
With the disposal of the potatoes, the Council seeks to maximize its receipts by determining the appropriate selling price after taking into account factors such as the quantities and quality of Cypriot red potatoes as well as the prices and quantities of the competing countries of Cyprus. The Council is constantly monitoring market data as they are set out and the Council’s Marketing Committee is in constant communication on the relevant decisions on the sale and disposal prices of potatoes.
Production of Cypriot certified and Introduction of foreign potato seed
The Council shall determine the quantities of potato seed to be imported in total by variety, taking into account the quantity of Cypriot certified potato seed produced in order to arrive at the production and marketing planning of each harvest.
The Council undertook the introduction of the external potato seed, its management and its distribution to the producers working with it. In addition, the Council produces and exports more than 1000 tonnes of Cypriot certified potato seed, of various varieties and exports them mainly to Greece.