Cooler weather has led to a slight increase in potato consumption over the last week. All ambient store materials are finished here, in the UK there are reports that store material quality is degrading at a faster rate as the weather becomes warmer.
The domestic market remains steady this week as supplies tighten. Harvesting of early Home Guard and Premiere potatoes has started this week and prices are in the range of €1600/tonne. Provisional figures from DAFM indicate that the area of planted potatoes is up about 3% on last year. Showery rainfall conditions are forecasted this week however, water availability and soil moisture remain a concern.
In terms of exports there is still a demand for movement to Eastern Europe but volumes are not as high. In Europe imports are clearing as buyers are now waiting for the new crop which is delayed in many regions due to cold weather.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box | €500 | €520 | €510 |
| Rooster10 kg bag | €5.75 | €6.25 | €6.00 |
| Whites Box | €500 | €550 | €525 |
| Kerr Pink 10kg bag | €6.00 | €6.50 | €6.25 |
| Golden Wonder box | €680 | €720 | €700 |
