Potato Prices Strengthen as Buyers Struggle to Find Stock

Farm gate prices continue to strengthen in both wholesale and the major retail markets. Growers with quality product who are willing to negotiate, are securing the best prices.

It is evident that more growers have exited the market, while other producers have realised they do not have sufficient stock to ensure a continuous supply to all customers. This scenario is creating supply gaps in the market which buyers are struggling to fill.

Plantings are well advanced in all areas however, those still considering increasing plantings need to beware of the latest planting figures from the UK and north-west Europe, which predict an increase of almost 4% on 2016. Growers must remember that there was an increase of 5% in area last year, but due to poorer yields final production tonnages were reduced. Obviously, if yields are ‘normal’ we have the potential for a chronic over supply of potatoes in northern Europe in the coming season.

Ex-farm prices reported to IFA