Irish domestic consumption and retail sales are improving since the schools have started again. As inflation continues to rise, consumers will return to more home cooked meals, recognizing the value of potatoes as a staple. This trajectory should continue as Autumn approaches. There is a good demand for Queens and prices remain stable.
As the season progresses and more growers begin harvest preparation, it is becoming more apparent that yields will be significantly reduced. This is particularly evident in the south east of the country, where crops received very little rainfall for a lot of the season. Recent rainfall has improved harvest conditions however there is continued concern that it may also may cause ‘second growth’ of crops.
Heavy showers have started to improve lifting conditions across Northern Europe, but buyers continue to restrict their demand to contracts and some excess to contract. As regards yields in European countries, the situation remains unchanged with very significant reductions expected in many areas. Recent test digs in France show that growth rates are slowing very quickly and that yields “could be the lowest for 21 years” and roughly 10 % lower than the last five-year average.
In the UK the level of consumption of potatoes has been reported to be in decline for a number of years, however, recent trends suggest that this has been reversed. Sales of whites primarily but also M. Piper are starting to improve and, in some cases, appreciably as consumers look for “value”.
Source: ifa.ie