According to the most recent Irish Farmers Association (IFA) experts report, fresh potato prices are high and constant across Europe, with a small increase this week in Germany.

However, purchasers are keeping a very close eye on the weather prediction, which is now anticipating an extended cold spell in the lead-up to Christmas. Export demand is continuing at recent levels to Mediterranean regions and Eastern Europe.

Two of the major Belgian processors reported record hikes in contract prices of 25 to 35% for the following year at Interpom. Manufacturing facilities are operating at full capacity, and frozen food exports to foreign markets are at record highs. To maintain supply in the new export markets, buyers must provide guarantees. Growers say that to cover costs, these hikes are necessary. The current worry is that growers would switch to produce for the processing sector from the fresh sector.

In Ireland, potato consumption and sales should see a boost with the weather warning in place for a prolonged cold snap.

“On the contrary, any crop remaining in the ground will be under serious threat of frost damage. There is still some 15% of crop nationally remaining to be harvested. Losses may occur as a result,” the IFA experts concluded.