Potato Prices & Commentary

Ex Farm Potato Prices Reported to IFA

Farm gate prices of queen potatoes seem to have settled at current levels. With supply and demand in equilibrium, growers should stay patient, as all crop will move over the coming weeks.The continuation of the unsettled weather and promotion of the queen variety in retail outlets has ensured stronger sales over the past week. There is now some new season Rooster on the main retail market with initial yields described as average. Many growers are reporting that tuber numbers are disappointing with suggestions that there will be major differences in yield and quality depending on the region, due to planting dates, weather variance etc. There are few quotes as of yet for new season potatoes however, deals are being done at €400/tonne in boxes.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices Reported to IFA

There has been little change in the farm gate prices of new season potatoes over the past week, as supply and demand has become more balanced. The recent cooler weather, has increased potato sales in general, with clearance of Queens now 20 to 30% ahead of this time last year. Many growers are confident that they will have all their crop moved by the end of August therefore, it makes no sense for growers to drop prices any lower trying to force sales. As old season Rooster finishes up, some growers are digging new season crop and it is expected that all retailers will gradually change over in the coming weeks. Due to the variable sowing conditions in the Spring, there was no extra early Rooster planted and with no overhang of old season crop there should be a positive market for this early crop.

arm gate prices of new season potatoes have stabilised this week, as many of the growers who have been in the market since the beginning of June are now finished.

These same growers were still supplying the market well into August last year so obviously supply and demand should be in balance this year.

It must be realised that the early market traditionally runs well into September and with no pressure from retailers or merchants to further reduce farm gate prices, growers need to remain patient.

Recent rain in Europe has reduced the risk of drought in places, however, it did not come early enough for certain countries where crops have suffered severely due to the earlier dry spell. It is a reality that high yields throughout Europe may not materialise, so despite an increased planted area, production levels may not increase year on year.

Ex-farm prices reported to IFA