New crop heralds growing spud demand
By FWi staff
THE potato market continues its struggle to get moving as difficult trading conditions persist.
“Despite a slow start to the season, there are definitely more positive signs.
“A bigger demand is developing as we switch over from old-crop to new-crop,” says Rob Burrow of the British Potato Council.
The poor weather during May and early June put crops behind, and the strong demand for old-crop also affected movement of earlies.
But stocks are now coming to an end, hence the slow move over to new stock.
In Jersey, total exports are now at 37,100 tonnes, similar to the same time last year, and there are only about 4500 tonnes left to go.
Prices today were 10-12p/lb but some traders have reported 9-10p/lb to clear.
Sales in Cornwall have been very difficult this week as packers look to areas where haulage costs are lower and “dedicated” growers have approved varieties.
Prices yesterday (19 June) ranged from 45-75/t for graded samples, with packing orders fetching up to 120/t for best.
Indifferent weather in Pembroke slowed lifting again last week and demand remains poor. Bagged trade ranges from 80/t, with packing orders at 100-120/t.
In Kent, anxiety to sell has pushed prices down to 60-80/t for Rocket and Arran Comet. Bulk orders should improve this week with prices yesterday at 100-120/t ex farm.
Demand from packers in the east is picking up slowly although demand from the wholesalers remains subdued. Prices yesterday ranged from 90/t for Rocket up to 160/t for Maris Bard tops, with Maris Peer up to 240/t.
Old crop
Bulk Grade 1 material is short with prices for best continuing upward.
Most are worth 60-80/t with top Piper fetching 140/t up to 210/t in the east. Graded Estima are worth up to 200/t.
Grade 2 material is mainly 20-45/t.
Bag sales are increasing for chipping samples with best Piper fetching up to 160/t with the odd 200/t in the east.
Best whites are worth 90/t in Lincs with average quality samples up to 60/t.
The GB weekly average has increased by another 2.12/t to 78.51/t. This compares with 113.87/t at the same time last year.