He goes on to say that most people are more pragmatic than they used to be. But even with spot prices so low people are still trying to clear-out unpopular varieties. "Chipping potatoes and such are still at an extremely low level, we just can't see an end to it as there is an over supply throughout northern Europe," said Colin.
This week is National Chip week in UK, but there has not been any noted increase in sales of chipping potatoes.
Galbraith said there has been an increase in volumes sold in the last couple of weeks but this is normal at this time of year.
Moorhouse & Mohan were at Fruit Logistica in Berlin last month where they saw big interest from Eastern European buyers, Galbraith said there is increased demand for particular sizes and types and a little bit of general ware which he thinks will increase.
Colin Galbraith with Anna Boruch at Fruit Logisitca
"Mostly demand is for good skin finish rather than a specific varieties. Some of the Eastern European countries regard the look of the potato over the actual eating quality, bright yellow to cream but not too white, if you go back 15-20 years this was the same in the UK, but over the years people have become more aware of the qualities of different potatoes and different uses for them, this will develop in Eastern Europe too."
Moorhouse & Mohan have been exporting to Czech Republic and Poland for a few years and have recently added Slovakia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania. Exports to these markets are not huge volumes just 1 or 2 loads per country each week.
Galbraith expects exports to increase, but if volumes are short in the UK domestic market the first thing to stop will be the exports unless it is under contract, because if prices prices are too high it would no longer be viable.
For more information:
Colin Galbraith
Moorhouse & Mohan
Tel: 0044 7967077118
Email: colin@moorhousemohan.co.uk