UK potato prices hold firm as demand picks up

UK free-buy potato markets have started to recover during February as buyer interest returns following a lull in demand last month.

A smaller domestic potato crop last year, pegged at about 4.5m tonnes, has meant the vast majority of potatoes continue to be grown on contract, with smaller volumes left to be freely traded.

Sagitta has been quoted by the trade at anywhere between £280/t and £360/t, with some regional variation and generally higher prices in the East. Maris Piper has typically traded at £300/t to £350/t.

See also: How to stop rhizoctonia denting potato yields this spring

Market insight firm Expana benchmarked English white potatoes at £340/t on January 28, remaining fairly flat on month-earlier levels.

Harry Campbell, market reporter at Expana, said there had been limited trade activity alongside high availability on the UK’s free-buy market, particularly for white potatoes.

Mr Campbell explained: “Following strong demand and rising prices in December, typically the peak sales period for potatoes, many buyers are now largely covered through contracts.

“This has contributed to stable and falling prices in January as growers seek to move stock.”

However, Maris Piper has seen more of an uptick, with prices up by almost 6% on the month due to buyers finding it harder to source.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has seen demand has started to pick up, especially for peeling material as restaurant trade returns after a slow period in January.

The IFA said: “Prices are stable, and supply should be balanced for the remainder of the season. Growers are now planning for the upcoming season and once again the issue of rising production costs is a topic which is all too familiar for growers.

“Across Europe, physical prices for processing remain firm with some increases again.”

New crop

Early plantings have gotten under way in some drier regions of the UK, but most have faced delays due to wetter ground conditions.

Availability of seed potatoes remains an issue for the sector, with the British Agriculture Bureau calling for an agreement between the UK and EU to allow trade of seed potatoes to recommence.