According to this week’s Potato Market Report published by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), there is increased uncertainty for the food service sector as the country enters into a new phase of regional lockdowns. Counties Laois, Kildare and Offaly are impacted by the lockdown.
Liftings of new season prepacked Rooster are beginning this week and should be on the shelves in the coming days. Any remaining Rooster stock continues to clear.
The Queens market remains quite strong and has stabilized over the last week with excellent quality reported.
UK prices
In the UK, markets remain subdued and there is continued pressure on price across all sectors, with supply largely exceeding demand for the moment. However, it is likely that overall yields will be back on last year due to the low tuber numbers under crops.
European situation
Across Europe different lockdowns measures imposed continue to cause market disruption. Drought conditions are returning in central parts of France and in contrary heavy rainfall in Spain has left the season ending on a sorry note following quality issues.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | ||
| Rooster box | €330 | €380 | €350 |
| Rooster 10 kg bag | €3.30 | €4.00 | €3.50 |
| New Season Queen 10kg bag | €6 | €8 | €7 |
