There were 13,774t less potatoes in Irish stores at the end of January 2020 when compared with the same time in 2019. A recent IFA potato survey found the difference of around 13% in stock levels.

Stock of Kerrs Pink are down 47% on last year following market demand and whites have also significantly reduced.

It is predicted that with this amount of stock in store at the end of January there should be enough to supply the market until mid-August, similar to last year.

Demand

However, another factor that we must take into account at this stage is the current situation that is unfolding. Over the past week, demand across all sectors has been mixed.

The IFA states that demand from retailers this week has soared and is reportedly as high as the Christmas period when trade normally peaks. However, the food service industry is experiencing a hit due to deceased footfall and closures. The impact of that this will have on trade and demand has yet to be seen.

Note

The 2020 figures include potatoes still in the ground which were higher than normal due to poor harvest conditions in the back end (estimated around 1,000 acres at that time). Quality of these stocks may be a concern. It does not take tare values into account either.