Maris Piper prices rose significantly throughout the last assessment period, with the Mintec Benchmark Prices for Grade 1 Packing Maris Piper EXW England [Mintec Code: KZ03] assessed at £380/mt on 23 May, up 25% from the previous assessment.
The increase in Piper prices has re-established the traditional premium which the variety holds over white potatoes. In an unusual shift, starting in March, the prices for packing whites moved higher than packing Piper (read more here). However, this trend has now reversed with the latest Maris Piper assessment standing at a £15/mt premium over packing whites.
The rapid increase in prices has been driven by tighter availability. Market participants disclosed to Mintec that sustained demand from the processing and peeling sectors has eaten into free-buy stocks while contracted volumes for packing have dwindled, increasing buying interest from the packing sector.
Demand for good quality packing potatoes remains strong and market participants expect prices to remain supported throughout the remainder of the 2022/23 season as availability of free-buy stocks continues to tighten.