17-06-2026 In conversation with Erik Arendholz

Erik Arendholz (28) has been working at Aviko since last year as a potato buyer for the production site in Stavenhagen, Germany. Based in the Prignitz region, he is in daily contact with growers and ensures that the factory is continuously supplied with potatoes.

From an agricultural background to potato procurement

Erik has a background in the agricultural sector. During and after his studies in Agricultural Sciences, he worked on various farms, both in his home region and in Latvia. “Potatoes already played a major role in my work, from planting through to harvest.”

In his current role, he is responsible for purchasing potatoes and maintaining relationships with growers.“I visit growers on their farms and also take care of the weekly planning of deliveries to the factory. Everything is aimed at ensuring that the factory always has enough high-quality potatoes available.”

Collaboration across borders

The Stavenhagen site focuses entirely on the production of potato flakes, including “TroKa” (dried potatoes) for potato dumplings. The potatoes come from a large growing area that stretches from the region around Greifswald (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) to the northeast of Lower Saxony and the Celle/Wolfsburg region. “This area is about the size of the Netherlands,” Erik explains.

On a daily basis, he coordinates with the person responsible for potato intake in Stavenhagen. “We continuously keep each other informed about what is happening in production. This allows us to align the potato supply well and respond quickly to changes.”

In addition, he works closely with the logistics and finance departments in Dronten, as well as with his colleagues in the field and the agronomists.

A good start to the season

The current season has generally started well. “In some regions, the planting season lasted slightly longer than usual. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, potatoes were even planted locally in the second half of May. However, the early fields have not been able to build up a significant lead due to the lower temperatures,” Erik says. “In Lower Saxony, the potatoes are clearly more advanced, partly thanks to the rainfall and higher temperatures in May.”

Compared to last year, the crops are under less stress, although this varies by region. “Where intensive irrigation was already required at the end of May last year, this was less necessary this year. Locally, however, growers did have to take action to prevent the ridges from drying out.”

Focus on quality

It is notable that growers are placing more emphasis on quality this year. “I hear this clearly in conversations, and that is a positive signal,” says Erik. “Especially after a season in which there were many issues with deviations and sometimes low starch contents.”

At the same time, the market remains challenging. “Volumes and prices are under pressure, and growers are facing increasingly long dry periods, stricter regulations, and new diseases and pests.”

Nevertheless, Erik also sees positive developments: “There are investments in storage and in innovative solutions such as drip irrigation. That gives confidence for the future.”

Attention to crop health and fertilisation

For the period ahead, Erik mainly highlights points of attention related to crop health and fertilisation. “Disease pressure is high, particularly due to phytophthora and also alternaria. It is more important than ever to determine the right timing for measures.”

He also points to the importance of a good nutrient balance: “Due to heavy rainfall, nutrients may have leached, especially on lighter soils. At the same time, you need to be careful with fertilisation so as not to delay ripening.”

Looking ahead

How the rest of the season will develop is difficult to predict.“There are too many influencing factors. We have to assess the situation step by step,” Erik says. “Above all, I hope that 2026 will be a good harvest year for our growers.”

He personally draws a lot of energy from this period: “It’s great to see how the crops are growing. And with the long days, working in the field is enjoyable. That makes this a truly beautiful time of year.”