As the UK and EU potato markets face sharp price declines, the Maris Piper potatoes in the UK displayed an unusual trend. The Exw Scotland EBP for Maris Piper saw a rise to £175/mt on June 17, contrasting other potato EBPs with a 35% week-on-week increase. Prices stabilized at £130/mt beforehand, following a sharp drop mid-April.
Across the European market, Expana Benchmark Prices (EBP) for potatoes continue to decline. On June 24, English white potatoes were valued at £120/mt, representing a 4% week-on-week drop and a 25% month-on-month decrease. Belgian Fontane potatoes hit a low of €50/mt on June 17, a price last seen in 2021. The current figures stand against high prices from the previous year, where English white potatoes reached £765/mt in June 2024, marking an 84.3% year-on-year decrease.
© Mintec/Expana
The downturn in demand reflects buyers covering through contracts due to previously tight supplies, minimizing spot purchases. An abundant 2024/25 marketing year surplus, coupled with decreased consumption following warm weather, adds pressure on prices. Sources indicate a scarcity of good-quality Piper stocks, leading to upward price movements. However, the market has remained relatively stable since June 24.
<p>Industry observers expect a potential price dip in July/August, as new crop supplies enter the market. With fluctuating supply dynamics, price developments for Maris Piper and other potato varieties require close monitoring.
Source: Mintec/Expana
