PotatoPotato Market Reports

Rainfall Welcomed but Insignificant in Overall Picture

The recent spell of wet weather has been a welcome for stressed potato growers.  It has had the double effect of increasing market sales while giving others a small break from irrigation.

However, although welcome, the amounts which have fallen are generally insignificant in the overall picture and will make little difference to some crop at this stage. Prices for old season crops continue to strengthen as supplies are disappearing rapidly.  At this stage it looks likely that old season crop will be needed in the 7.5/10kg market right through September and into October.

In the UK and across Europe they are still seeing temperatures in the mid-thirties. Conditions in Holland are reported as being hotter and drier than in 1976 and it is generally accepted that there will be a major reduction in yields.  Cops are maturing earlier, resulting in high dry matters even at this stage of the year. The April 2019 European future price has continued to increase with the price now at €290t compared to €110t at this time last year.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

  Low High Average
Peeling / Processing €200 €250 €225
Rooster 10kg €2.80 €3.50 €3.00
Whites €220 €270 €240
Kerr Pink 10kg €3.20 €3.70 €3.50
Golden Wonder 10kg €4.50 €5.50 €5.00
Rooster Box €240 €300 €260

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