Improved weather conditions have brought potato harvesters back into fields this week. However, prices remain relatively unchanged.
As of last week the IFA estimated that 70-80% of the main potato crop was still to be harvested.
Boxes of Roosters are moving for an average ex-farm price of €320 but as far up as €350. This is the same as prices quoted this time last year.
However, 10kg bags of Roosters are selling for an average of €3.10. This is down from €3.20 last week and down from an average of €3.40 in the same week of last year, according to this week’s IFA potato market report.
Image source: Shane Casey
10kg bags of Kerr’s Pink are averaging at €3.65 but are as high as €4 – down on the same week of last year from a price of €4.20.
Golden Wonder’s are making an average of €5 for a 10kg bag – this is €1 less than this time last year, according to the IFA.
Kerr’s Pink are being bought for €270 per box at the farm-gate, but quality is essential.
In the shops, Roosters are ranging in price. Own-brand potatoes, in the supermarkets, in 5kg bags were sold for €4.50 in some supermarkets. 10kg bags were selling for €6.50, while branded potatoes were selling for more. 2.5kg bags of Roosters sold for €3.40 in some places, while 7kg bags sold for approximately €5.50.
Dublin market wholesale prices reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are detailed below.
- Roosters 10kg – €4;
- British Queen 10kg – €3;
- Kerr’s Pink 10kg – €4;
- Record 10kg – €3.50.
Potatoes from the UK and France were also quoted in the Dublin wholesale market. Maris Piper, Markies and Nadine were available. 25-42mm potatoes were also available – Maris Peer from the UK and Agata from France.