One of the European countries struggling with a major potato shortage is the United Kingdom. A combination of less acreage, fewer potatoes and poor harvest conditions pushes the price to new heights at the start of the new year.
In mid-January, the British potato market woke up from its Christmas slumber and a hefty new price for potatoes was immediately posted. For varieties such as the popular Maris Piper, but also Agria and Markies, amounts are paid that fluctuate between €52,50 and €58 per 100 kilos. A year ago, the price level was a maximum of €25 and it took until the end of May for this to really move.
Free potatoes scarce
Prices for white-fleshed potatoes are slightly lower, between €46 and €50 per 100 kilos. By the way, stating a price is one thing, buying is something completely different. Just like on the European mainland, most potatoes are fixed by a price agreement (read: contract). Growers who do have a volume to sell freely are waiting patiently. A price that already touched €60 in early January could rise even further this spring, according to the sentiment. By removing excess size from the batches of table potatoes, a batch of potatoes suitable for fries can sometimes be made for the fish & chip trade.
It is difficult to say exactly how many potatoes are still in the ground in the UK. It is estimated to be around 4.000 to 5.000 hectares in England, Scotland and Wales. On the island of Ireland the percentage is much higher, estimated at up to a quarter. At the same time, we are talking about a much smaller area of 9.000 hectares in total. At the beginning of January it also froze a few degrees, especially in central and eastern England, but not as much as elsewhere in Europe. This means that the remaining harvest does not necessarily have to be lost in its entirety. An even bigger problem than the frost is perhaps the persistent rain, which has caused a lot of rot.
Import difficult
There is no Christmas dinner without potatoes in the UK truth, but it is clear that the British island has a considerable shortage of 'tatties'. With price levels approaching €60, it is becoming more lucrative to import potatoes from the mainland. At the same time, it is also not easy to pry free potatoes. There are certainly fewer Agria and Markies this season and growers are not just letting them go. However, it can cause more pressure on the potato market due to more demand.
A price level well above €50 at the beginning of January is exceptional. In 2018, the potato price for Markies and Agria rose to €55 to €60, but that was at the very end of the season. In England year 2012 - when a significant part of the harvest was drowned - the price rose to €35 for all varieties and species. Of course, a comment must be made about these prices. The cost was lower five years ago and exchange rates can vary. Yet the current price level, so early in the season, remains very exceptional.