In the European market, potato export demand remains robust, with excellent movement from France to the Mediterranean nations, but expensive pricing has “put the brakes on sales” to the east.

“Across the U.K., no planting has taken place in most regions for the past few weeks due to wet weather conditions,” the most recent IFA potato report reveals.

In Ireland, home potato consumption and retail demand remain solid; colder, wetter weather is anticipated to boost purchases.

“The availability of stocks continues to tighten, again prices are reflecting this. Some empty shelves can be seen towards the end of the day in retailers. The availability of seed potato is extremely tight,” the report concluded.