Potatoes firm on reluctant grower selling

Potato prices have firmed for the second consecutive week, with some growers unwilling to sell at recent low levels.


The Potato Council’s GB weekly average price rose to £144.87/t in the week to 15 November – more than £10/t firmer over the fortnight. The free-buy average jumped by more than £13 over the same period, to £143.74/t, with a larger proportion of free-buy trade making up the overall sample.


“There was a reluctance by some growers to load at recent values,” said the council’s latest report. “This, together with improved confidence levels, put upwards pressure on prices of best quality samples, particularly in the South East.”


While contracted stocks accounted for a significant part of the packing trade, there was reasonable movement of free-buy supplies from both field and ex-store, it added.


In the bag market, interest continued to centre on best-quality frying supplies, but despite farmers’ reluctance to sell, supplies remained adequate to meet demand. Exports to the Canaries were steady, including King Edwards at £200-£240/t and whites at £130-£150/t.


Trade to Ireland included 25kg bags of frying Markies at £140/t and bulk processing samples at £100/t.


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