According to the weekly Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA’s) Potato Market Report, the potato market has been quieter as of late but this is typical for the time of year. Demand will return to normal in September. Queen stocks are low at this stage, with the market stabilized at current price levels.
Quality and DM levels have been excellent this season which has boosted sales. With some retailers programmed to sell washed set skin product this should move the bulk of the remaining Queen stock.
Liftings of new season Rooster are continuing with reports that quality is fine but tuber numbers are low. Prices are in the range of €500 to €550/t in tonne boxes.
Most retailers will have converted to new season in prepacks by the end of this week. New season Irish salad potatoes are also arriving on the shelves. The 7.5kg packs will probably remain in old season product until these clear in early September.
In the U.K, markets remain subdued with most buying being done to contract. The fresh chip market is still below par due to the impact of Covid 19. This has also impacted the market in Ireland due to cheap UK imports and a weaker sterling which are undermining local grower prices.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box (New Season) | €500 | €550 | €525 |
| Rooster 10 kg (New Season) | €6.00 | €7.00 | €6.50 |
| New Season Queen 10kg bag | €6 | €8 | €7 |
Source: IFA
Photo: Midleton Farmers Market | Good Food Ireland
