The digging of the first Comber Earlies got under way on the Co Down farm of Hugh Chambers this week, but after the late spring, yields are down and digging is a month later than normal.
However, according to Wilson’s Country managing director, Lewis Cunningham, the recent warm weather has helped crops to progress, and the quality of the new season offering is promising.
He is also optimistic about the market for potatoes in NI, with the local market now valued at £45.5m, a year-on-year increase of 1.6%.
Over the last 12 months, potato sales are up 4.3%, with the price paid per kilo increasing by 3.3%. Currently, 96% of NI consumers buy potatoes at least once during the season.
These trends are mirrored in the Republic of Ireland, where potatoes have a 97% penetration in the market.
Analysis by Wilson’s Country highlights that consumers continue to opt for smaller pack sizes, and increasingly favour part-prepared potatoes, chips and mash.
Meanwhile, sales of alternative carbohydrate sources such as rice and pasta remained static over the past year.
“Ireland’s food retail sector is on the rise and the potato industry is benefitting in almost equal measure,” said Cunningham.
However, he warned that local producers are competing in an international market, and returns this season will be influenced as much by crop quality and quantity in the likes of Germany, Belgium and Holland, as the size of the final crop harvested in NI.
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The digging of the first Comber Earlies got under way on the Co Down farm of Hugh Chambers this week, but after the late spring, yields are down and digging is a month later than normal.
However, according to Wilson’s Country managing director, Lewis Cunningham, the recent warm weather has helped crops to progress, and the quality of the new season offering is promising.
He is also optimistic about the market for potatoes in NI, with the local market now valued at £45.5m, a year-on-year increase of 1.6%.
Over the last 12 months, potato sales are up 4.3%, with the price paid per kilo increasing by 3.3%. Currently, 96% of NI consumers buy potatoes at least once during the season.
These trends are mirrored in the Republic of Ireland, where potatoes have a 97% penetration in the market.
Analysis by Wilson’s Country highlights that consumers continue to opt for smaller pack sizes, and increasingly favour part-prepared potatoes, chips and mash.
Meanwhile, sales of alternative carbohydrate sources such as rice and pasta remained static over the past year.
“Ireland’s food retail sector is on the rise and the potato industry is benefitting in almost equal measure,” said Cunningham.
However, he warned that local producers are competing in an international market, and returns this season will be influenced as much by crop quality and quantity in the likes of Germany, Belgium and Holland, as the size of the final crop harvested in NI.
Read more
Research shows that GM potatoes have reduced impact on the environment
80% of potatoes yet to be planted
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