PotatoPotato Market Reports

Potato Market Update 8th April

Retail demand and consumption remains buoyant this week as restrictions remain in place. The food service sector remains effectively shut down as we approach Easter weekend and trade is at a standstill. Another week of good weather across the country, with the exception of rain over the weekend, has meant that early plantings have continued at pace, night temperatures however are still low. Some growers are considering main crop plantings also as ground conditions improve.

In the U.K, the market situation remains much unchanged. Demand for free buy supplies was minimal this week, anecdotally it is reported that supermarkets and packers over-purchased last week and they are still working through supplies. Plantings continue across the country as ground conditions are described as ‘ideal’.

Restrictions remain in place across Europe and the uncertainty of how long restrictions may remain causing market disruption, is hanging over growers who are trying to make planting decisions. Cold stores are full of product and exports are not taking place. Seed companies are reporting that growers in many countries are in a dilemma regarding their 2020 plantings. So far, cancellations of seed orders have been minimal but there is still a lot of seed to be delivered.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

  Low High Average
Rooster box €330 €380 €350
Rooster10 kg bag €3.30 €4.00 €3.50
Whites box €320 €370 €350
K Pinks 10kg bag €4.20 €5.00 €4.50
Golden Wonder 10kg bag €5.00 €6.00 €5.50

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