With an increase of 87.5% year-on-year (Y-O-Y), the Mintec Benchmark for English white potatoes has recently set a new all-time high of GBP750/MT.

Market sources state that supplies will be scarce until the maincrop harvest, which for English white potatoes is anticipated in mid-July. One source further notes that when producers sell off their leftover stock, “stores are getting empty and switched off.”

“Each week the harvest is delayed will keep prices elevated. Growers, who faced planting delays, were hoping for warm weather to boost crop growth, but this has not occurred,” according to a recent press release.

Record highs have been reached for the second year in a row, highlighting how climate change is affecting weather patterns. Market participants point to a move in favor of contract-based buying, although growers would rather profit from higher free-buy pricing than commit too much of their harvest.