Strong potato demand as planting stays on track

With colder evening temperatures in the last week, consumer demand and retail sales have been stronger than anticipated. The overall food service sector has also been solid in recent weeks, with demand for potatoes remaining strong. Some negative sentiment from some processing sector potato buyers in the first 2 months of 2025 has reversed in recent weeks, with steady demand for peeling potatoes reported. Growers who have potatoes in storage are now facing rising storage costs as temperatures rise in the coming weeks, and refrigeration costs will increase. These growers will be looking to recoup this extra storage cost from packers and processors.

The excellent sowing conditions continued throughout the country last week, and planting is well on track for all potato types. The conditions are the complete opposite of the situation 12 months ago when the land was largely unworkable due to wet weather.