The Balance Between Free-buy Demand and Potato Supply is Stable in the UK and Scotland

Due to the inconsistent wet weather across the UK, particularly in Scotland, the potato harvest is moving slowly.

The supply and demand for free-buy potatoes are currently in stable equilibrium. Little pressure has been placed on growers to lower prices, which has led to weekly price changes that are either slightly higher or stable.

“As of the latest Mintec Benchmark Price assessments, Grade 1 White Packing Potatoes EXW England are priced at GBP240/mt, reflecting a 4% increase compared to the previous week and a 9% year-on-year (y-o-y) rise. Similarly, Grade 1 Packing Maris Piper EXW England is valued at GBP360/mt, up 1% week-on-week (w-o-w), a 71% y-o-y increase. Maris Piper potato prices across the UK have maintained higher prices, primarily due to limited supply availability in the market,” according to a recent press release.

According to market sources, prices will initially stabilize around these levels before rising as producers store their potatoes. The low, and occasionally nonexistent, premium for English potatoes over Scottish potatoes is a market factor to be aware of. Due to the recent rainy weather, which has limited supply in Scotland, growers have been forced to ask for higher prices and forgo the customary transit discounts associated with Scottish potatoes because there is sufficient demand in Scotland to support this.

“The Mintec Benchmark Price for Grade 1 White Packing Potatoes EXW Scotland is at GBP230/mt, with no change observed w-o-w. In the case of grade 1 Packing Maris Piper EXW Scotland, prices are assessed at GBP345/mt, up GBP5/mt w-o-w,” the Mintec analysts summed up.