Potato prices continue to improve, with the GB weekly average price rising by £1.03/t in the week to 16 December, to £114.17/t. Free market values jumped by £4.49/t, to £96.61/t.
In the packing market, trade was centered on preparations for Christmas deliveries, said a report by the Potato Council. "There was emphasis on quality stocks for which buyers were willing to pay a premium, especially for top of the range Maris Piper." Grade one Pipers were fetching £120-150/t, and up to £200/t for the very best quality. "General pack was steady at £80-100/t, with value pack samples from £60/t."
King Edwards also enjoyed strong movement last week, including a combination of contract and pre-bought stocks. Grade one prices remained generally steady at £90-130/t, but top samples firmed to up to £145/t.
"Stocks in store are generally keeping quite well, but there are continuing reports of premature sprouting and breakdown." In processing samples, balancing sugar levels and limiting sprout development was proving challenging.
The need to move contracted chipping stocks, where keeping quality was suspect, had tended to limit free-buy demand in the processing sector, putting Maris Piper at £50-70/t. "Growers with quality stocks were reluctant to start in the light of current free-buy prices."
market report