UK and Ukraine face potato supply challenges amid weather extremes
UK potato growers are reporting lower yields and smaller tubers due to prolonged drought and heatwaves, while potato and onion prices have declined in Ukraine during the same period.
Potato growers in the United Kingdom are experiencing reduced yields and smaller tuber sizes as a result of ongoing drought and extreme heat. The fifth heatwave of the season and record low rainfall have significantly affected crop growth at an early stage, prompting the UK government to announce a support package including €17.7 million (£15 million) for the construction of on-farm reservoirs and other water management initiatives. The harvest reduction is expected to impact potato availability for both domestic consumption and exports, including shipments to markets such as Poland.
In Ukraine, potato and onion prices fell during week 33 of 2026, reflecting increased availability and trading activity. The decline in prices is attributed to the seasonal influx of new crop potatoes, which has boosted supply in the domestic and regional markets. Prices for Ukrainian potatoes on wholesale platforms were not specified, but the trend contrasts with the supply constraints observed in Western Europe.
Trading activity for potatoes has strengthened across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Egypt among the most active supplier countries on regional trade platforms. Offers from the Netherlands also returned to the market, indicating renewed interest from Western European exporters. However, sellers from Ukraine and Iran posted fewer offers compared to the previous week.
In Spain, demand for prepared potato dishes such as patatas bravas and ready-to-eat potato products has increased during the summer, driving higher consumption of processed potatoes. The growth in demand for these products is linked to consumer preference for convenience foods during the warmer months, potentially influencing the sourcing strategies of Spanish processors and their need for imported raw potatoes.
The supply challenges in the UK and increased demand for processed potato products in Spain may affect the competitive landscape for potato imports into Poland, especially if Western European availability remains constrained and Eastern European suppliers maintain lower prices.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI