As holiday season peaks, potato market faces softened demand and blight concerns.
As the holiday season reaches its peak, the demand for potatoes in Ireland has been reported as slightly subdued. The market is currently absorbing the remainder of the old season crop, while new season Queens have become readily available, filling gaps that were evident earlier in the year. However, the influx of these new potatoes has led to a softening of prices compared to earlier in the season. In the coming weeks, Early Rooster varieties are expected to become available in the southeast, potentially influencing market dynamics further.
Growers are also facing increased challenges, particularly with blight. The pressure from blight was significant towards the end of July, and vigilance is strongly advised to prevent potential crop losses.
Looking at the broader European market, activity remains minimal, and values have come under pressure once again. Some processing factories in the Netherlands continue to hold light stocks of the old crop, which is expected to ease the transition to the new season—an outcome more favorable than initially feared. Despite these challenges, the outlook for processed potato products appears positive. However, the increased prices over the last two years are being cited as a reason for the decline in demand for frozen potato products.
For Irish farmers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders, this subdued demand combined with blight concerns calls for careful market observation and strategic planning. The introduction of new season potatoes and the upcoming Early Rooster harvest may provide some market relief, but the overarching pressures from both disease and fluctuating demand underscore the need for caution and adaptability in the current environment.
