POTATO MARKET UPDATE 20th AUGUST

POTATO MARKET UPDATE 7th AUGUST

Research conducted by Bord Bia indicated that potatoes are still the most consumed carbohydrate in Ireland with 97% of households purchasing potatoes and a recorded growth in purchase of 1.3% to September 2018.

Liftings continue this week with favourable conditions. The first earlies are now largely cleared. Yields are much better than last year as is quality. Quantities of old stock remaining are marginal as lifting of new season Rooster crop is expected to commence in some regions next week.

According to a report by AHDB, potato production is likely to be significantly below average in both Poland and Czech Republic this year. Over 90% of the Czech Republic remains in drought with 23% of the country deemed as being in extreme drought.  Their main source of imports (Germany), may not be able to meet increased export demand due to severe drought experienced this summer. The UK are looking at this as an opportunity to increase exports depending on Brexit outcomes.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

Low High Average
Rooster box €500 €520 €510
Rooster10 kg bag €5.50 €6.00 €5.75
Queens 10kg bag €5.75 €7.25 €6.50