Potato prices rise as exports pick up

Potato exports to Eastern Europe are picking up, which, together with lower yields and increasing domestic demand, are creating a tighter feel to the market.

The GB average price hit £145.57/t in the week ending 19 November, more than £24 above the mid-October lows and 50% up on year-ago levels, according to the Potato Council's latest report.

"Export levels, especially to Russia, are very positive news for growers,"said Jim Davies, senior analyst at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). "Current movements are more than 2000t/week - including stocks from Ireland - and enquiries continue to grow, with some large orders for December delivery reported."

"The market is also expecting stocks to be lower - production in the key north-western EU member states was marked down by 8.4% back in September, and people are now looking to secure end-of-season supplies."