Potato stock levels reached a record 2.4 million tonnes in January, up 25 per cent on last year, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
British stock levels held by growers also jumped 492,000 tonnes, compared to the end of January 2017. The rate at which spuds were drawn from store was also at its highest levels since AHDB records began in 2010.
Peter Collier, analyst at AHDB said: “Retail sales of fresh potatoes were up 3.6 per cent in the three month period to the end of January, as measured by Kantar Worldpanel. While this is good news, it does not entirely explain the increase in drawdown rate.
“Another factor is a greater level of grade outs in this year’s crop. With quality reported as reduced in 2017/18, there has been an increased tonnage requirement to meet specifications, as seen by reports of a higher ‘out grade’ percentage than usual.”
There is a chance, that despite these record stock levels, the market could still ‘tighten’ as the season progresses.
Collier said: “The delayed, wet start to 2018/19 earliest planting could see this marketing season extended, causing a tightening of supplies before the new crop is lifted. Conditions can change quickly, so I would recommend keeping an eye on Potato Data Centre, or our newsletter Potato Weekly for more information.”
