Bronisze: Domestic New Potatoes Replace Imports, Prices Volatile Amid Heatwave

Polish new potatoes have fully replaced imports on wholesale markets, with prices fluctuating sharply due to supply changes and recent heatwaves impacting crop development.

At the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw in early July 2026, domestic new potatoes have completely taken over the market, with imported young potatoes from Egypt and Cyprus disappearing from trade. Wholesale prices for yellow varieties at Bronisze ranged from €0.2–0.3/kg (1.0–1.5 PLN/kg) in early July, depending on supply. The Irga variety reached €0.3–0.5/kg (1.5–2.0 PLN/kg), while during periods of oversupply and urgent sales caused by heat, yellow potatoes were sold as low as €0.2/kg (0.67 PLN/kg) per 15 kg bag. Price volatility remains high, with day-to-day changes reflecting immediate availability and supply fluctuations.

Farm-gate and wholesale transactions are dominated by direct farmer sales, and not by larger wholesalers, increasing price sensitivity to local deliveries. When supply declines, prices for Irga can rise to €0.5/kg (2.0 PLN/kg), while yellow varieties increase to €0.3/kg (1.5 PLN/kg).

The domestic harvest is proceeding under challenging weather conditions. A severe heatwave hit Poland in late June and early July, with temperatures locally exceeding 35°C. This coincided with the potato bulking stage, causing farmers concern over reduced yields, smaller tuber sizes, and potential quality issues. Drought conditions have exacerbated stress on crops, particularly in regions already experiencing soil moisture deficits after a dry spring.

Current supply consists almost exclusively of Polish new potatoes, as imported product is no longer present in significant volumes. Demand for new potatoes remains steady, but buyers are sensitive to quality and tuber size, both of which are at risk due to the ongoing weather conditions.

According to recent farm registration data, more than 185,000 hectares of potatoes have been reported in Poland for 2026, with the largest cultivation areas in Mazowieckie, Wielkopolskie, and Lubelskie voivodeships.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker