The UK potato market is placing greater emphasis on product quality as the 2025/26 season progresses and large volumes remain in storage.
Prices have trended downward for much of the year due to a heavily contracted season and limited free-buy trade. Market sources reporting to Expana noted growing expectations of quality problems, particularly in Maris Piper, which are now emerging. According to sources, bruising levels are high, posing challenges for retail-focused products. Expana Benchmark Prices for Maris Piper packing potatoes exw England stood at £150 per metric ton on November 11, a 3.5 per cent increase month on month.
© Mintec/Expana
Some sources also report early signs of quality issues in white packing potatoes, though the large volumes available have helped prevent similar upward price pressure. Others argue that perceptions of widespread issues are being amplified by oversupply and low free-buy prices, leading to closer inspection and more rejections than would typically occur.
Market conditions remain unstable, with some growers expected to hold out for higher prices based on reported quality concerns, while others may sell at lower levels to maintain movement. Recent above-average temperatures have also caused potatoes in storage to sprout earlier than usual, which sources say will reduce the ability of growers to hold stock longer into the season.
Source: Mintec/Expana
