Maincrop spud business encouraged by rain

By FWi staff

RECENT wet weather has brought some confidence back to the maincrop potato market, although a temporary hold on harvesting in some regions due to rain has failed to lift values.

Maincrop trading began well at the start of August on the back of poor weather, and grower resistance to the bottom-end quotes which saw prices higher than originally predicted, noted the British Potato Council (BPC).

But last week was more settled, “with the unenthusiastic trend from the end of the early season continuing.”

Quotes for grade 1 bulk potatoes start at about £70/t, while Piper are from £100/t. Reds are worth up to £190/t and a few Edwards are at £200/t.

The bag trade is not so strong, with poor material selling between £40-£80/t, while frying Piper is up to £100/t.

The BPC weekly GB average maincrop price fell £3.27 over the week to £81.80/t. This compares with £138.06 last year.

With processing purchases excluded, the ware average dropped to £82.90, compared with £144.04 in 1998.