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The Irish potato market remains stable, with firm retail demand and consumption, according to the latest Irish Farmers Association (IFA) market report. After a tight end to the 2024 season, current market conditions have balanced out, ensuring a steady supply for the remainder of the season. Although farm-gate prices have faced some pressure in the past two weeks, analysts expect stabilization in the coming weeks due to lower carryover stocks, preventing an oversupply situation. Across Europe, the upward trend in physical market prices seen earlier this year has stalled. Contracted potatoes continue moving swiftly, but free-buy demand remains subdued. Export volumes have declined as international buyers adjust to recent price increases, though a limited but steady trade continues, particularly from the Netherlands to the Caribbean and Africa. The slower free-buy demand and exports suggest the market is entering a cautious phase, with buyers waiting for potential price adjustments before committing to further purchases.
Unseasonal rain in Feb-25 has severely impacted India's West Bengal potato crop, with 80% of the harvest still uncollected. Farmers in key growing areas like East Burdwan, West Midnapore, Hooghly, and other low-lying regions report significant damage, especially to the Pokhraj and S1 varieties. The anticipated weekend rain adds to concerns, forcing some farmers to harvest early to prevent further losses. The biggest threat now is late blight, which could devastate crops. While overall production is expected to be at a record high of 14 million metric tons (mmt), the sudden rains may lower quality and create storage challenges. Potato prices remain stable despite the setback. As of February 21, farm gate prices ranged from USD 3.45 to 3.91 per 50 kilograms (kg), while the Jyoti variety retailed at USD 0.14 to 0.17/kg. Traders remain cautious, fearing further weather disruptions, while authorities continue to assess the extent of crop damage.
Sinaloa is set for a historic potato harvest in 2025, with over 17,000 hectares (ha) planted, marking an increase from previous years, and an estimated production of 500 thousand metric tons (mt). The President of the Specialized Union of Potatoes in Los Mochis confirmed that harvests have begun, particularly for industrial buyers, which will account for 50-60% of total production, and the rest will supply the domestic market. Current yields stood at 30 to 31 mt/ha, reflecting strong productivity. However, uncertainty remains regarding later-planted crops, whose performance is yet to be determined. While prices are still uncertain, estimates suggest they could exceed USD 0.54-0.59/kg, depending on market conditions in the coming weeks.
In W8, France’s potato prices rose by 5.26% week-on-week (WoW) and month-on-month (MoM) to USD 0.40/kg, driven by increasing production costs. Farmers face higher expenses across multiple inputs, including seed potatoes, crop protection chemicals, and fertilizers, while labor costs have increased due to wage adjustments. Moreover, land rental prices continue to climb, and energy costs for storage remain elevated as colder weather heightens the need for temperature-controlled facilities. Despite stable domestic supply levels, the cumulative impact of these rising costs has placed upward pressure on potato prices.
In W8, the Netherlands' potato prices surged 38.46% WoW and 16.13% MoM due to tightened supply and strong export demand. The supply constraints were due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the season, which affected yields, particularly in key potato-growing regions such as Flevoland, North Brabant, and Zeeland. Additionally, rising demand from European processing industries and strong exports to Germany and Belgium, where local supplies were lower, contributed to the price surge. Market players also noted that storage stocks were running lower, leading to higher purchasing competition and further driving up prices.
In W8, Germany's potato prices increased 1.61% WoW due to stable domestic demand and limited supply from storage stocks. Cold and wet weather earlier in the season affected harvest yields, leading to tighter availability in key producing regions such as Lower Saxony, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Moreover, higher processing demand from the food industry, particularly for frozen and processed potato products, supported price increases. Reduced imports from the Netherlands and France, where prices were also rising, further contributed to the upward pressure on Germany’s potato prices.
In W8, Pakistan's potato prices remained unchanged WoW but declined 5.26% MoM to USD 0.18/kg. This is primarily due to increased supply from the ongoing harvest season in Punjab, the country’s key potato-producing region. Improved yields and higher acreage contributed to greater market availability, exerting downward pressure on prices. Easing inflation and stable input costs, particularly for fertilizers and fuel, reduced production expenses, further stabilizing prices. Moreover, weaker export demand and improved domestic distribution helped prevent price spikes, keeping the market well-supplied.
In W8, Egypt’s potato prices dropped 14.29% WoW, 20% MoM, and 58.62% YoY, continuing the recent downward trend due to increased supply from the ongoing Nile season harvest. Key producing governorates, including Minya, Dakahlia, Beheira, and Menoufia, have contributed to the surplus, leading to oversupply pressures in the domestic market. Moreover, weaker export demand and seasonal price fluctuations have further driven the decline. However, market stabilization could occur in the coming weeks as demand adjusts to shifting supply levels and as post-harvest storage reduces immediate market inflows.
Due to unseasonal rain damage and the threat of late blight, a significant portion of West Bengal’s potato harvest may be unsuitable for fresh sale. Farmers and traders should redirect affected potatoes to alternative markets such as starch processing, animal feed, and dehydration for flakes or powder production to minimize losses. Establishing quick partnerships with food processors can help absorb lower-quality produce, preventing farm-level wastage while ensuring some economic recovery.
Rising storage costs due to high energy prices increased potato prices in France. Farm cooperatives and industry groups should negotiate bulk energy purchase agreements or seek government incentives for energy-efficient cold storage solutions to mitigate this. Introducing smart ventilation and insulation upgrades can reduce energy costs, helping farmers maintain competitive pricing while ensuring quality storage for extended supply stability.
With increased supply from Punjab’s harvest and weaker export demand, Pakistan should diversify its potato export destinations. Trade bodies and exporters should actively engage new markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, where there is demand. Specifically, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait in the Middle East, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, and Sudan, Kenya, and Nigeria in Africa offer potential for expanded exports. Strengthening logistics, certification standards, and phytosanitary compliance for these new markets can boost export volumes, preventing domestic price crashes while securing higher revenue for growers.
Sources: Tridge, Times of India, Potato News Today
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