17-06-2026 Shorter chain time through 24/7 loading

The 2025 harvest year is characterised by a higher susceptibility to bruising and more pressure damage. This results in quality issues during the processing of potatoes in our factories. To prevent these quality issues, reducing the chain time (the time between loading and processing) is of great importance.

Since early April, we have been loading the varieties Innovator and Lugano 24 hours a day for our factory in Poperinge. In mid-April, it was decided to apply this approach to all varieties in Poperinge.

Thanks to this approach, the chain time has been significantly reduced, which clearly contributes to improved quality. We see that many growers are willing to load during the night as well, with the shared goal of preserving quality. Of course, we try to take the growers’ preferences into account as much as possible. Close coordination between field staff, logistics planners, AB Texel and growers is essential in this respect.

In addition to Poperinge, we have also implemented this approach from week 24 in the plants in Steenderen and Lomm for the varieties Lugano and Innovator. These varieties in particular are more sensitive to bruising and pressure damage as the chain time increases.

We realise that loading 24 hours a day has a significant impact on everyone involved. At the same time, we see that it delivers results. We would therefore like to thank everyone contributing to this effort for their commitment.