Following the holiday season, prices in the Idaho potato market remain strong. “We are very encouraged by the positive market so far this year,” explains Frank Muir, president of the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC).
While Europe is currently experiencing low prices due to an increase in volume, this causes no impact on the American potato market. However, the IPC is experiencing a disadvantage in overseas shipping. “The European market is not affecting us,” states Muir, “but we are greatly affected by West Coast shipping problems.”
Although Idaho’s shipping pace is ahead of last year, delays by the longshoremen’s union on the West Coast have created a holdup on international exports. “A strike has not been declared, but junior workers with less experience are handling all shipments. There is no hurry and shipments are slowing down.”
West Coast shipping problems have been happening for several months and are having a big impact on the U.S. market. “They are essentially controlling the market,” says Muir. “Their actions are causing companies to lose customers throughout the Northwest.”
Idaho potatoes are shipped in three main categories: fresh, frozen, and dehydrated. Delays have affected all three categories. “Asia buys a lot of dehydrated potatoes for snacking and cooking needs,” explains Muir. “Delays in fresh potato shipments are most devastating, as they have a shelf life. Frozen potatoes keep longer; however, it is costly to store them.”
Source: Fresh Plaza