European potato trade: demand increases, prices under pressure

The potato market has been waiting for a while to see what would happen. Many expected a rebound after the New Year, but that has not been the case. According to an exporter trade is being pulled towards the colder places in Eastern Europe. Demand is better than in the first weeks of the year, but prices are under pressure. I expect that demand will increase if prices drop a little further."

He says that as the season progresses, stocks in Eastern Europe will diminish. "In time more will go, but price will have a large part of play in terms of volumes." He explained that last year the situation was different: "When England was on the market, the situation was good, demand was great and the prices were at a high level. Now England has a lot of produce and so does Ireland, who last year imported lots. This year they are both offering potatoes for export."

Is Russia still coming?
He sees the future with mixed feelings. "It definitely depends on who still has to come onto the market. Russia are still not importing any European potatoes which limits export possibilities. There are always rumours that Russia will soon be open for business, but nobody knows for sure. There is a large difference to last year. Prices are also very different, depending on the variety as some varieties are half the price of the previous season."