Potatoes: 17/12/2013

Wholesale ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Low High Average

Rooster 10kg €2.70 €3.50 €3.00

Rooster Box €220 €310 €260

Kerrs Pink 10kg €2.70 €4.00 €3.25

Kerrs Pink Box €220 €300 €250

Whites Box €200 €290 €250

Comment: Prices are under severe pressure this week as supermarkets have undertaken to practically give away Irish fresh produce. Merchants and supermarkets are trying to source potatoes as cheap as possible. Yet again, growers’ livelihoods are being threatened in order for the retail giants to gain market share. The Irish potato industry needs strong sustainable relationships between retailers and growers in order to survive. Small vegetable shops and wholesalers throughout the country are under pressure and government needs to implement legislation immediately to save these people and the Irish potato industry.