Potato lovers across the UK are feeling the pinch as potato prices soar across various forms, from chips to mash, roasties, and crisps, following the aftermath of recent storms that have left agricultural fields waterlogged. The repercussions of the storms have led to a significant increase in the cost of certain potato varieties, with prices climbing by up to 22% in just over a month.
Among the affected varieties, the popular and versatile Maris Piper potatoes have seen prices surge by more than 10% across major retailers such as Lidl, Waitrose, Aldi, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. Sainsbury’s British Maris Piper Potatoes (2kg) recorded the most substantial monthly price escalation, jumping by 22.2% from £1.35 to £1.65 per bag, while Tesco’s equivalent product also experienced a significant rise, increasing by 21.3% in the same timeframe. Supermarkets attribute these price hikes to the “challenging growing conditions” induced by the wet weather, prompting adjustments in size and shape standards to include previously undesirable wonky potatoes.
The past year has also witnessed price fluctuations due to adverse weather conditions, with Tim O’Malley of Nationwide Produce describing the season as ‘dreadful’. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) highlights the challenges faced by growers, who have grappled with weather extremes from droughts to heavy rains since summer 2022, leading to early market releases of stocks intended for storage. These circumstances raise concerns about potential shortages towards the end of the season. However, the British Retail Consortium assures that supermarkets are equipped to manage such disruptions, aiming to minimize the impact on customers.
The challenges posed by adverse weather conditions extend beyond potatoes to other UK-grown vegetables, further increasing reliance on imports from Europe. As the industry navigates these weather-related challenges, stakeholders remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the availability and affordability of essential food items for consumers across the UK.
