Potato market sales and consumption have picked up this week as temperatures settle back to average levels, according to the IFA.
Queens continue to be lifted across the country and again quality and yields are reported to be very good. High temperatures experienced last week stopped maincrop growth and this may delay harvest in the back end of the year. Recent rainfall was welcomed by growers in most regions.
In the UK, traders report movement as “just ok” this week but demand has been primarily for very best old-crop bakers and frying varieties for coastal areas.
The yield and quality of early maincrop and salad varieties, which had matured or were close to maturity before the high temperatures set in, are generally considered to be good. However, the performance of later second earlies and true maincrop varieties is now very much in the balance.
Across Europe, temperatures reached 40°C in South West Holland and the UK last week and unirrigated crops are under severe pressure. The forecast for the medium term extending into August is for the dry weather to continue.
Potato market
Rooster box prices ranged from €380 to €450, averaging at €400. The rooster 10kg low was €4, reaching a high of €5, and averaging at €4.50. Meanwhile Kerr Pinks prices ranged from €5 to €6, averaging at €5.50.