Largest UK potato stocks in eight years

While end-January stocks held by growers are said to be the highest since 2010, the rate of drawdown from end-November to end-January has also been at a record pace. Between the end-November to end-January period, 1.19 million tonnes was drawn from grower’s stores, 14 per cent more than in 2016/2017.

Peter Collier, AHDB arable analyst, says: “One explanation for the drawdown rate is a greater level of waste in this year’s crop. In order to fulfil the same finished product requirement, there has therefore been a larger volume requirement from stock.

“Additionally, there has been an increase in consumer purchases this marketing season. The volume of fresh potatoes sold were up 3.6 per cent in the three months to the end of January, compared to the same period the previous year. Chilled and ambient processed potatoes also saw increased sales in both value and volume in the same period, with crisp sales up 4.9 per cent by volume.”

Despite this season’s high production, there may be late season supply pressures still to come, warns Mr Collier. “The delayed, wet start to 2018/19 earlies planting could see this marketing season extended, causing a tightening of supplies before the new crop is lifted.”