Kenneth Gad, vice president of Cambridge Farms Inc. in Boston, summarized his insights about the 2013 Eastern Shore potato deal this way. “I have every indication this season will be a win-win-win for everyone,” he told The Produce News. “I am thrilled to see [the growers] get a good return on their investment.”

The positive report applies to reds, whites, yellows and russets marketed by the company. With production beginning in late June and continuing into August, he said, “I’m very optimistic for a good, strong marketing program on the East Coast. Unless demand totally dies due to the heat of the summer, we should move this crop.

“The crop from North Carolina through Delaware got a late start planting,” he continued, saying that activity was a week to 10 days behind typical timetables. Late-season snowfall kept the ground cold, delaying planting.

Recent field inspections, both above and below the ground, are encouraging. “If the plants are any indication, quality looks very nice,” he added. “Cool nights are typically good for potatoes.”

The number of potato producers in the region has decreased over the years, creating a more controlled situation when it comes to volume. But Gad said Cambridge Farms has developed strong business relationships in the East during the good times and bad times. As a result he said, “[Growers] will give us the first opportunity to move a limited supply.”

Potato pricing has been high nationally, and Gad said this bodes well for Eastern Shore growers this season. “Nationally, it’s Macroeconomics 101,” he stated. “It’s supply and demand. There’s not an excess in growing areas where product is being dumped. The West is not hitting the East Coast. We’ve leveled out the playing field.”

Reduced national volume has translated to a higher pricing structure, and Gad has no reason to believe this will change as the Eastern Shore comes into production. “I think the retailers are very accepting of these prices,” he observed. “If prices are too high, potatoes won’t move through the stores.”

On other fronts, Gad said his son, Jay, has joined Cambridge Farms as the company’s director of new business development. “Jay is going to be out there opening doors,” he stated. Jay Gad is the fifth generation to be involved in the business. He is a graduate of James Madison University, where he studied business and communication.

Gad said his son will step up the company’s game with new and innovative approaches to electronic marketing through its website. “We’re going to be more aggressive with this,” he noted.