Potatoes: 06/02/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: The recent IFA stock survey reveals that despite higher potato yields in 2017, this has not manifested in comparable stock levels. The increase in volume for Rooster and White varieties is only 8,000t and 2,000t respectively. Kerr Pink has seen a reduction of 2,000t, while stock levels for Golden Wonder and Records are similar to last year. It is important to note that the above figures also include crop which remains unharvested and potential losses from these 1,000 acres are not accounted for in the calculations. The stock survey certainly confirms the higher levels of harvest and post-harvest losses incurred. When you consider that the peeling market is using extra home product this season and potato consumption is on the rise, these stock levels point to a market which is balanced for the remainder of the season.