Market report UK: Lifting progress puts pressure on potato prices

In the United Kingdom, potato values fell in the week to 15 October as better weather boosted availability and lower value supplies dominated sales.

The Potato Council's GB weekly average price slipped by £13.30/t to £121.17/t, with the free-buy average down by £17.36 to £139.70/t. However, that was still £17.46 and £60/t higher, respectively, than the same time last year, when harvest was 83% complete, against 70% this season.

"Movement to store continues, although soil contamination, particularly from clay land, is high and may require careful store management later,"said the council in its weekly report.