Potatoes: 05/06/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: The warm spell of weather has reduced potato sales, particularly in the larger pack sizes. However, demand from the peeling trade still remains strong and this should only improve as the summer tourism trade kicks in. A number of growers have cleared stores in recent weeks and this should strengthen the hand of those still in the market to push for further price rises. Planting is virtually completed apart from a few small pockets. Due to the warm weather, establishment has been rapid. However, crops are still behind, especially those planted during April. May has been a very dry month across the country, with only 19mm of rain recorded at Dublin Airport. Some growers in eastern areas are already applying irrigation and if this weather trend continues, it will certainly affect yields.