Cautious buyers and lacklustre demand have resulted in little free-buy price movement from last week. As England enters a second national lockdown, pubs and restaurants have been asked to shut meaning volumes traded have been reportedly low; yet hope remains with takeaways and chip shops continuing to trade. Some sunny spells have allowed lifting to resume for some growers this week. Though for others, heavy showers and a lack of wind have left the brakes firmly on, with fields lying too wet to touch. Reports of some quality issues are surfacing this week, with pest damage, rot, bruising and hallow heart. Seemingly, this may be causing concern to store long-term potentially increasing supply on the market.
Click here for this week's Potato Weekly
Click here to download this week's price tables
Packing
Packing trade has seen more movement this week, with small price gains for some. As the nation is asked to stay at home for the second time, there may be anticipation that consumer buying will resume back to similar purchasing patterns to the first lockdown. Maris Piper are still retaining their premium over other whites, yet some growers are reported anecdotally to be storing good quality samples in eagerness of price gains.
England
Scotland
Bags
The bags trade has seen little movement this week from last. Trade remains relatively quiet from a lack of tourists, schools returning and onset of a English lockdown closing non-essential shops. Yet, positivity remains in the sector with chip shops and takeaways allowed to stay open and many having worked out a way of functioning under covid regulations unlike the first lockdown. This is providing much needed reassurance for the sector.
East
West
South
Processing
The processing trade has reportedly experienced a drop off in demand this week, surrounding the uncertainty of new English lockdown restrictions. This lockdown has not brought the same widespread closures as before though, with major quick serve restaurants remaining open this time round. Good quality Maris Piper is still benefitting from a premium over other white varieties, with prices reported as high as £120/t for Maris Piper.
Exports
Trade to the Canary Islands has reportedly remained steady this week. Anecdotal reports have indicated that King Edwards are securing a premium over other white varieties, within exports to the Canary Islands. However, due to insufficient quotes we are unable to publish a price.
Source: AHDB