Better weather gets the spuds up

By FWi staff

THE potato market has steadied over the past week, and land work progressed well during some of the best weather seen this year.

Following a short period of weakness, values inched up over the week as a supply shortage in the quality packing and frying sectors boosted prices.

But abundant supplies overall are reported by traders at present, said a spokesman from the British Potato Council. Average and lower-grade are under-performing on price, he said.

“All this means a slow trade at present, and a continuation of the wide price ranges seen all season, at present between £80-£320/t.”

Quality bulk material is in short supply and samples are trading from £180/t, with most in excess of £200/t. Best Cara, Estima and Piper can fetch in excess of £300/t.

An increase in grade 2 supplies has led to values easing, with poor samples at £80-£100/t. Most value-pack are £120-£180/t.

Bag sales start at £120/t for poor-quality samples, with most between £140-£190/t. Best Piper and reds are as high as £260/t.

Spot processing purchases are restricted, with poor material slipping further at £80-£100/t. Chipping samples are fetching up to £150/t and Piper £170/t.

The BPC weekly GB ex-farm average price fell £1.86 to £178.05/t. This compares with £86.35/t last year and £56.48/t in 1997. The ware average failed to hold its value, dropping £3.57 to £185.67/t.

In London, the April futures remained firm at £300/t, but April eased in Amsterdam on Friday to £215/t.