Potato consumption and sales should see a boost with the weather warning in place for a prolonged cold snap. On the contrary, any crop remaining in the ground will be under serious threat of frost damage. There is still some 15% of crop nationally remaining to be harvested. Losses may occur as a result.
Across Europe, in the fresh sector, prices are firm at a high level, with some small increases in Germany this week. Export demand in ongoing at recent levels to Mediterranean countries and Eastern Europe but buyers are keeping a very close eye on the weather forecast, which is currently predicting an extended cold spell in the run up to Christmas.
Record increases in contract prices of 25 to 35% for next year were announced at Interpom by two of the main Belgian processors. Factories are working at full capacity and exports of frozen product onto world markets are at record levels. Buyers need to guarantee supplies to keep the new export markets supplied. Growers comment that these increases are required to cover costs. The concern now, is that that growers will move from producing for the fresh sector over to the processing sector.
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box (New Season) | €380 | €480 | €430 |
| Rooster 10 kg (New Season) | €4.00 | €5 | €4.50 |
