Poor weather drives up European potato price


24 November 1998


Poor weather drives up European potato price


WET weather across Europe has hit the potato crop, driving down supplies and boosting prices.

UK prices have doubled both at the farm gate and on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange.

Prices vary between £60-£250/tonne, with the British Potato Council reporting an average of £122.51/tonne, against £67.25 at the same time last year.

McCain Foods, the brand-name frozen foods producer, reports problems sourcing quality potatoes and expects to see a cut in margins.

Analysts said the delay in the potato market and the lower yields would continue to keep futures prices high.

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