New Crop Potatoes Availability Across Europe Is ‘Very Tight’
Some new potato crops are entering the market across Europe, but the amounts are tiny and will be scarce for at least three weeks.
The demand for free buy Maris Piper potato variety is particularly high in the United Kingdom, and some packers are “desperately short” of their requirements.
“Apart from the tight supplies, some stores have seen retail sales increases of 25% recently. The planted area of early maincrop Whites and Maris Piper appears to be reduced and a bigger proportion of the crop is under contract,” according to the latest IFA report.
Home consumption and retail sales in Ireland remain steady.
“With up to 80% of Queens now cleared in the southeast, the availability of Queens is tight this week until more crops are fit for harvest in the northeast. The availability of packing quality material continues to tighten further with strong demand for any remaining material. Likewise, the peeling trade remains buoyant as stocks tighten,” the report summed up.