Potatoes: 30/01/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: Consumption of potatoes remains very positive, with many retail outlets reporting an increase of up to 5% on last year’s sales. It is becoming increasingly obvious that buyers are actively seeking top-quality potatoes, so growers with this type of product can continue to hold firm on prices. The IFA stock survey is showing stocks to be less than was originally anticipated. This is not surprising, as pest damage and difficult harvesting conditions certainly have led to increased tare levels. Conditions at harvesting were also warm and humid and this is leading to increased breakdown levels in stores both at home and throughout the UK and Europe. To date, there have been no early plantings of 2018 crop and over in the UK there has also been no progress due to the wet conditions.