Cool Evenings, Hot Market: Ireland’s Potato Demand Surges in Early 2025
After a rocky start to 2025, Ireland’s potato sector is experiencing a welcome upswing. According to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), potato demand has exceeded expectations over the past week, driven in part by cooler evening weather, which has boosted retail sales and food service consumption. Peeling potato demand has also stabilized, reversing the negative sentiment from some processors earlier in the year.
Consumer Demand Exceeds Forecasts
In recent weeks, supermarket and hospitality sector sales of potatoes have risen, with retailers reporting stronger volumes of all major potato products—particularly roosters, queens, and golden wonders. The chilly evenings have prompted consumers to return to traditional hot meals, which typically feature potatoes.
Additionally, the food service sector, which includes pubs, restaurants, and takeaways, has seen solid performance. This demand boost supports growers and packers still holding inventory from the 2024 harvest.
According to Bord Bia, the Irish food board, potato consumption remains resilient in Ireland, with potatoes still present in 94% of households. The current trend reinforces their relevance, particularly during cooler weather.
Rebounding Processing Market and Storage Pressures
After sluggish buying activity from some processing potato buyers in January and February 2025, recent weeks have brought renewed interest in peeling potatoes. Processors have re-entered the market more confidently, providing relief for growers holding stock.
However, rising storage costs are a growing concern. As spring temperatures increase, the cost of refrigerated storage climbs. Growers with potatoes still in storage are expected to seek compensation for higher energy usage from packers and processors.
According to Teagasc, energy costs for refrigerated storage can increase by 25–35% as temperatures rise from March into late spring. With energy prices still volatile across Europe, Irish growers are carefully evaluating how long they can afford to hold their remaining stocks.
Planting Season: A Complete Turnaround From 2024
On the production side, planting progress is well on schedule for all varieties. Growers across the country took advantage of ideal conditions last week, making significant headway. In contrast to March 2024, when prolonged wet weather left fields saturated and unusable, this spring is proving much more favorable.
The Met Éireann Agri-Weather Advisory notes that soil trafficability has been optimal across most of Ireland in the past 10 days. This has allowed early crops—such as first earlies and salad potatoes—to be planted smoothly and efficiently, laying the foundation for a strong season ahead.
Ireland’s potato industry is enjoying a welcome rebound as cooler evenings spark strong retail and food service demand. Steady interest from processors and excellent planting conditions add to the optimism, even as storage cost pressures loom. For growers, agronomists, and processors alike, the coming weeks will be critical for balancing supply, managing costs, and preparing for the 2025 harvest.
