Potato prices stable as less surplus comes to market

Demand in the English potato packing market remained flat in the week to 10 November, with prices relatively unchanged despite tighter supplies.

With more growers completing lifting there had been less surplus from the field on the market, said a report by AHDB Potatoes.

However, slow demand for free buy packing samples meant prices remained relatively stable – averaging between £58/t for Grade 1 whites and £174/t for Grade 1 Maris Pipers.

See also: More market prices and trends

A similar picture was seen in the bag market as trade remained steady and prices showed minimal change.

In the East, trade was thin, with any movement consisting mainly of regular orders, added the report. Free-buy prices ranged from £80/t in the West of the country to £128/t in the South.

Export markets reflected the downward trend in demand, as shipments to the Canary Islands slipped on the back of reduced interest.

Despite this, prices held steady week-on-week – ranging between £85/t and £170/t ex-farm depending on variety – with the highest price paid for King Edward potatoes.

Across the UK, lifting was now almost complete for 2017 with widespread good yields reported and stores looking generally promising.

There have been no updates to prices this week due to an imbalanced survey sample.