Robust potato trade sees £10/t average price hike

Potato prices firmed over Christmas, with the Potato Council’s weekly average price increasing to £160.54/t in the week to 3 January.

Although trade remained thin, that was £10 up from the week to 13 December. The free-buy average increased from £150.33/t to £160.37/t over the same period.

In the packing sector, buyers were mainly reliant on pre-bought stocks, with sub-45mm Maris Peer fetching £280-£330/t and larger sizes weaker at £150/t. White potato supplies were ample for the steady trade, with grade one free-buy lots pegged at £145-£175/t, depending on the sample. General pack supplies were £110-£130/t and value pack £80-£100/t.

Stored produce was keeping well, but the mild weather was causing some stocks in ambient stores to break dormancy, which may require early movement, said the report.

In the ware sector, trade remained slow, with most whites fetching £120-£140/t. In Scotland, supplies were light, and prices were steady, with best Saxon at £150/t, Wilja at £120/t upwards, and other varieties at £100-£110/t.

Processing trade included limited free-buy movement of Maris Piper at £100/t for French fries. Peeling demand was slow, with Maris Piper hit by some defects at £75-£90/t.

Potato prices firm in new year despite thin trading