Potato Prices & Commentary
Each week the IFA compiles prices paid or quoted to its members nationwide. Take a look at the latest report below.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box | €500 | €520 | €510 |
| Rooster10 kg bag | €5.50 | €6.00 | €5.75 |
| Whites Box | €500 | €550 | €525 |
| Kerr Pink 10kg bag | €6.00 | €6.50 | €6.25 |
| Golden Wonder box | €680 | €720 | €700 |
Potato consumption remains relatively high for this time of the year. Stock levels are becoming increasingly low this week as new season potatoes come onto the market.
Harvesting the new crop continues this week. Generally, the crop is looking well but a little more warmth would be beneficial. Home Guard and Premier varieties should now be seen on the market with some Queens beginning also. With cooler than normal weather for this time of the year, it is expected that heavy volumes will not be around until mid-late July.
While water tables still remain low, constant showers and heavy downpours experienced across the country over the last week have kept the crop moving. These heavy downpours were also seen in North West England and Scotland last week.
In terms of exports there are still movements to Eastern Europe but movement is mostly from Scotland and volumes are reduced. In the UK exports are slowing this week as it is reported that countries buying UK supplies are buying closer to home as the new crop becomes available.
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 |
Once again cooler weather for this time of year has led to increased potato consumption over the last week. Prices in the peeling market, particularly for Rooster, are holding strong. The old crop appears to be in balance with current demand. Anything that is available to sell finds a market. Recent stock survey shows that stock levels are quite low and are at a similar level to mid-July last year.
Lifting the new crop continues this week. The advantage of an early/timely finish to planting has been diminished by the dry conditions early in the season and colder night conditions. The market for the new crop is expected to develop from this week on, it is anticipated that heavy volumes will not be around until mid-July. In France the market of home-grown earlies is slowly increasing and filling the gap left by the old crop.
Across Europe, prices for the remaining 2018 crop remain firm at the higher end, these prices are sustained by continued export demand. The EU share of the global market in frozen potato products dropped to 53% in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 59.7% this time last year. This is a result of the poor crop in 2018.
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 |
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.