Colin Galbraith from Moorhouse and Mohan explains, "Supplies are bulking-up nicely, prices are variable, it is very dependent on the kind of potato but a tonne is going for between £200 and £300, with varieties for frying demanding the highest price."
In general demand for potatoes fell as temperatures rose, but the salad potato has seen good demand.
At the moment the overall feeling is good but as always it is totally weather dependent and it is very early days. Initially volumes will be good, but later in the season they might fall a bit short. So far there have only been few problems with blight in some areas, black leg is also being seen in the North and West of the country, at the moment disease is very limited but if there is a lot of rain more instances could occur.
"Although this season is much improved on last year it will still not be a 'normal' year. Planting was delayed, the good weather just now is helping, it is going in the right direction. Volumes will be short and it will be a supplier's market."
Earlier this year Moorhouse and Mohan launched the Norfolk Peer brand of potatoes of which they are the exclusive marketer. Launched on the 24th of June, they are available washed 10kg bags) and unwashed (15kg bags). 1kg pre-packs are being sold exclusively sold to Tesco to be sold at 100 stores in the east of the country.
The variety, Maris Peer, is a new season salad potato washed in boxes and distributed same day ready to cook.
For more information:
C
olin GalbraithMoorehouse & Mohan
Tel: +44 1354 602860
Email: colin@moorhousemohan.co.uk
www.moorhouseandmohan.com