Continued lack of progress in potato plantings means delays in the 2018 crop are more certain, with most reports suggesting a minimum of two weeks at least.
This will result in approximately 10,000 extra tonnes of potatoes being required in this marketing season compared to last year’s. These market factors will inevitably lead to a positive market outlook for product in cold store.
Over in the UK, the likelihood of delayed planting has seen growers refusing lower quotes in anticipation of a pickup in farm gate prices as the season progresses.
The planting situation is no better across northern Europe with commentators reporting that the season is one of the latest on record. This fact is reflected in the European Processing Futures edging higher last week and there are signs that physical prices are also on the increase.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster Box | €240 | €300 | €260 |
| Rooster 10kg | €2.20 | €2.70 | €2.40 |
| Whites | €180 | €230 | €210 |
| Kerr Pink 10kg | €3.00 | €3.50 | €3.20 |
| Golden Wonder10kg | €4.50 | €5.50 | €5.00 |
