With the 2025/26 season progressing and stock in store, the UK potato market is increasing its focus on product quality amid significant availability.
Prices maintained a declining trend for much of the year, amid a heavily contracted season and limited free-buy trade. However, in recent weeks, market sources speaking to Expana stated their expectations of quality issues with Maris Piper varieties in particular, which are now being realized. Sources report a high level of bruising, a significant problem for retail products. As a result, Expana Benchmark Prices (EBP) for Maris Piper packing potatoes exw England stood at £150/metric ton on November 11, up 3.5% month-on-month.
Some sources have stated that white packing potatoes are also showing signs of quality issues, and that it is only the sheer volume available that has so far prevented a similar uptick in price.
Others, however, state that the market perception of widespread quality issues is partly due to the current oversupply and low free-buy prices. These sources assert that this has led to heightened scrutiny of produce and order rejections, adding that the degree of issues identified would not be as severe in a typical season.
Market dynamics currently appear volatile, with sources speculating that although some growers may push for higher prices in light of the quality issues, others may be willing to accept lower prices in order to create movement. In addition, with above-average temperatures in recent weeks, potatoes in store
have already started sprouting, much earlier than is typical, which will limit the ability of growers to hold onto stock, according to sources.
Image source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com
Written by Craig Elliott
