Potato prices stay firm on lifting challenge
Potato prices are firming as severe weather restricts lifting of the remaining 68% of the crop.
The GB weekly average rose by almost £7/t to £191.52/t and the free-market average reached £261.72/t (up by £9/t) in the week ended 28 September.
Prices and demand were very firm, said the Potato Council, packers were relying on some own-stored stocks and contracted material, with limited free-buy supplies available.
In the bag market, supplies were limited due to adverse weather conditions restricting lifting and some prices firmed over the week.
The Potato Council’s grower lifting survey estimated that 39,000ha was cleared to Friday 28 September. This is about 32% of the total crop and just under 7,000ha greater than last week’s estimate.
