Consumers can expect the humble spud to possibly double in price over the next year according to suppliers, as the hot weather this summer means the crop is down 25pc in Ireland this year. While the country basked in sunshine and heatwave conditions throughout the summer months, the potato crop became dormant in the soil as it was too hot and dry for the potato to grow.
There was about 8pc less potato seeds planted this year, as the seed has become more expensive. It isn’t all bad news for growers though, because more people tuck into potato-based meals, such as stew, in the winter months.
However, whether potato purchases will be as popular as ever remains to be seen. A price increase is already being seen all over Europe, according to Cyril Curley, a Co Galway-based fruit and vegetable supplier with Curley’s Quality Foods.
