The home market in Europe is said to be thriving, with consumers seeking the highest quality. For the best quality, price hikes of GBP10 to GBP20 per tonne have been quoted.

“Exporters report good demand, especially for the Canaries where demand is ‘better with some buyers than with others’. Prices are holding at recent levels,” the latest IFA potato report reveals.

The recent week’s cooler temperatures in Ireland have increased consumption, and the food service industry is still expanding in anticipation of the holiday season.

“There were increased orders this week and the price pressure has softened. There are reports that there has been good demand for chipping potatoes in the past two weeks. Irish stocks are now running tight and commanding a premium price,” the IFA experts concluded.