Ireland has experienced unusually high temperatures that are expected to have a slight impact on potato consumption, according to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) weekly potato market report. However, with schools now back in session and normal routines resuming, it is anticipated that the effects on demand will be balanced out.
Meanwhile, the new season Rooster potatoes are gradually entering the marketplace as crops reach maturity. Prices for these potatoes are currently ranging between €600 and €650 per tonne in boxes across the country.
Due to a late planting season this year, gaps in the potato market are expected in Ireland, and there have been reports of growth cracks and lower than usual tuber numbers under the plants. It’s worth noting that Irish potato growers have faced significantly increased costs throughout the season, which are now being recognized by most stakeholders in the supply chain, although not by all.
Europe
Across Europe, potato yields have been relatively average so far this season. In northern France, buyers are hoping for improved yields of maincrop potatoes following another 30 to 50mm of rain. However, late plantings have been hindered by low tuber numbers.
Despite these challenges, a comforting development for growers has been the early inquiries for export from Spain and Italy, which have come nearly two months earlier than usual.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there have been reports of lower prices quoted for M.Piper potatoes as growers strive to secure orders before the storage season commences. Demand from chip shops has remained relatively flat. While values have seen a decline, there are also indications that more growers are opting for storage rather than following the market’s downward trend.
Source: Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
Photo: Credit Eva Bronzini from Pexels
