World Potato Markets - Oct 2024 summary

Summary of World Potato Markets (UK and Netherlands)

United Kingdom Summary

• UK could see its smallest potato crop ever, below 4.3 million tonnes.
• Yields likely under 45 tonnes/hectare due to late planting, dry summer, and rain.
• Only 50% of the crop harvested so far, with more rain expected.
• Potato prices: £250-£450/tonne, up to £400/tonne for fish and chip shop supplies.

Netherlands Summary

• Looking at average yields per hectare with a tough climate year so far.
• 70% of Dutch potatoes harvested, predictions are for final lifting in November.
• Harvest progress expected to improve with better weather.

Our Data is summarised from the October 21st edition of the World Potato Markets report from 2024 Supply Intelligence Limited. For the most up to date potato industry updates contact your account manager.

United Kingdom

The UK is on track to produce its smallest potato crop ever, potentially falling below the previous record-low of 4.542 million tonnes from 1975. This follows a difficult planting season and weather challenges, including heavy spring rain and dry summer conditions, particularly in the eastern regions. Earlier planted crops fared better, achieving yields above 80 tonnes per hectare, but the majority of crops, planted late, are struggling. Estimates suggest that average yields could fall below 45 tonnes per hectare, with some experts predicting an average as low as 40 tonnes/hectare. If realized, this would produce a total crop of just 4.3 million tonnes, the smallest on record.

Rain has also delayed harvests, with only about half of the national crop harvested by mid-October. Prices for packing potatoes range from £250 to £450 per tonne, and potatoes destined for fish and chip shops can reach £400 per tonne. The peak production year in the UK was 1992, when 7.814 million tonnes were harvested, meaning the 2024 crop could be 81% smaller than that record.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has seen a rapid increase in the potato harvest in the last week, with 70% of the crop now lifted, though this is behind the 2022 pace. Central and northern regions are progressing faster, while the south, particularly the southeast, has been slowed by rain. Brighter weather is forecast, which could improve harvesting conditions, though it may not fully dry the heavy soils in the south.

Yields are mixed across varieties. Agria yields are the lowest since 2010 at 60 tonnes/hectare, down from 64 tonnes/hectare last year. Fontane yields are more stable at 62 tonnes/hectare, and Innovator yields have improved slightly from last year to 59 tonnes/hectare but remain lower than 2022 levels. However, the proportion of potatoes meeting the desired 50 mm calibre is lower than average, with 88% of Agria, 76% of Fontane, and 87% of Innovator making the cut.

This year's yield results and harvest conditions indicate a challenging season for potato growers.