New season early Comber potatoes are expected by next month into ‘reasonably steady market’, with Cyprus new potato imports already available
The first early Comber potatoes will be in shops across Northern Ireland by the middle of June, according to packer Wilson’s Country.
”Planting was completed by the middle of March. Crops have responded well to the recent spell of good weather,” said managing director, Lewis Cunningham.
“The availability of Comber earlies remains a highlight of the potato year. There is a strong consumer demand for what is widely regarded as a summer food delicacy.”
Around 70 per cent of the main crop area managed by Wilson’s Country growers has now been planted out.
Planting is expected to be complete within the next 10 days, with the current potato market described as “reasonably steady”.
“The vast bulk of last year’s crop was lifted before Christmas,” continued Cunningham.
“As a consequence, there are manageable stocks of ware potatoes currently in cold store. All of this means that planting levels for 2026 will be very much on a par with last year.
“Meanwhile, we continue to bring new maincrop varieties to market. Skywalker is a case in point: it is a high dry matter, white skinned potato.”
In terms of potato availability in Northern Ireland over the coming months, Cunningham confirmed that imports from Cyprus are already available.
“Home supply will kick-in with the availability of first earlies, followed by second earlies. The main crop harvest should get underway at the end of July. Obviously, all of this is very much weather dependent.”
Rising input costs
While much fertiliser was bought by potato growers in advance for the 2026 season, top-up nitrogen used at short notice is likely to bring higher costs.
“Most growers secured the fertiliser they need at planting before the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf,” said Cunningham. “However, the top-up nitrogen they apply is, in most cases, bought directly prior to application. And these products will come at a significantly higher cost.”
Wilson’s Country is investing in an anaerobic digestion at its processing operation in County Armagh, where potato peelings are used as feedstock in the system.
“Committing to a circular economy is at the very heart of our future plans,” confirmed Cunningham.
