UK: potato markets looking positive

Yields of Rooster and Kerr's Pink, which represent more than 59 per cent of total potato area in the Republic of Ireland, have been published from the results of a survey on 40 growers in the five main producing counties. The 2005 estimates were: Rooster, 39 tonnes/hectare compared with 47 tonnes/hectare in 2004 (minus 17 per cent); and Kerr's Pink, 34 tonnes/hectare, compared with 39 tonnes/hectare (minus 14 per cent).

"As a result of reduced production there is currently a good demand for imported Maris Piper for chipping," said a British Potato Council spokesman. Potato markets in Holland are still looking positive as interest in good processing material remains firm, although no-one is expecting much change in price until the end of the year.

"Confidence remains among growers and traders that price rises will occur later in the season, particularly as export demand is expected to grow in the New Year and tighten supplies on the domestic market," said the BPC spokesman.

"Offers of good quality stocks on to the market currently are, therefore, light. Developments, however, are likely to be affected by price trends in neighbouring countries, particularly Belgium and Germany.

"Prices are steady with little change from last week. Best 40mm processing Bintje with required specifications are mainly £71/tonne and Agria £78/tonne. "Export sales are not rapid with prices slightly lower at £78-91/tonne on the Rotterdam quotation as a result." The spokesman said that supplies were mainly oversized seed crops with most movement to Africa along with an increasing enquiry from Eastern Europe.

A stable market is currently being reported in Belgium. "Growers continue to offer potatoes of suspect keeping quality, although, in some regions, the volume is decreasing. Good stocks in dry condition remain in light supply.

"Processors are, therefore, using contracts while seeking good quality larger size material on the free market to supplement supplies in the last few working days before the Christmas and New Year vacation.

"Prices for good processing samples with 60 per cent tubers over 50mm range from £58-£68/tonne, although some higher prices are being offered by the Dutch industry for quality material. Good large size samples (50mm+) are reported by the Rotterdam quotations at £81-£88/tonne. Poor quality and small size are being negotiated at lower prices."

The spokesman said that export trade remained weak and in small volume which was also not helping to lift values. "Prices for 45mm+ export in bags are £78-£90/tonne. The seed market remains firm with Dutch Bintje class A in five-tonne lots at £340-£347/tonne for 28-35mm size and £210-£217/tonne for 35-45mm." In France, the processing market is stable with a balanced situation between supply and demand reported.

Prices are maintaining current levels, although price ranges are widening according to quality with excellent small run samples rising slightly. "Processing material 50mm+ average £95/tonne, in a range £88-£102/tonne and 35mm+ average £64/tonne in a range £58-£68/tonne."

There are no stock figures from Germany as yet, although industry is agreed that potatoes in store are in lower volume than in 2004. "Some quality problems, including rots and secondary growth, continue to be reported with large tubers also in short supply," said the spokesman.

"Export trade is brisk with good demand from Belgium and Dutch processors. Growers still expect that prices will increase in the next few weeks." Deliveries of winter crop from Cyprus continue to arrive in Great Britain with the total at 654 tonnes compared with 140 tonnes delivered by December 17 last year. "Weather conditions remain fine on the island with little rain reported. Planting conditions for the spring crop are good, although growers will maintain steady progress until the end of January to obtain continuity of crops for harvesting. Later planting of some of the crop also reduces risk of frost damage during February."

Source