Comment: The potato market has been quieter as of late, but this is typical for the time of year. Demand will return to normal as we approach September. Queen stocks are low at this stage, with the market stabilised at current price levels. Quality and dry matter levels have been excellent this season, which has boosted sales. With some retailers now selling washed product, this should move the bulk of the remaining Queen stock.

Lifting of new-season Rooster is continuing, with reports that quality is fine but tuber numbers are low. Prices are in the range of €500 to €550/t in tonne boxes. Most retailers will have converted to new season in prepacks by the end of this week. New-season Irish salad potatoes are also arriving on the shelves. The 7.5kg packs will probably remain in old-season product until these clear in early September.

In the UK, markets remain subdued, with most crops being purchased on contract. The fresh chip market is still below par due to the impact of COVID-19. This has also affected the market here in Ireland due to cheap UK imports and weaker sterling, which are undermining local grower prices.