Brazil: Potato prices have remained almost stable since the end of April.

Since the end of April, potato prices have remained virtually stable. This week (June 7-13), prices for the special Agata potato averaged R$93/sq in the wholesale markets of São Paulo (SP), R$74/sq in Belo Horizonte (MG), and R$76/sq in Rio de Janeiro (RJ); only the latter registered a slight drop of -13% compared to the previous week. 

This slight drop in wholesale prices in Rio de Janeiro is due to the increased influx of tubers from several producing regions, primarily southern Minas Gerais and the Minas Gerais Triangle, despite the rains recorded during the week in some regions. 

Overall, the market’s stability is due to the fact that, although more dry-season crops are being harvested, productivity remains low in many regions. 

For next week, the market is still expected to see little change, but rain is forecast for the southern production areas of the country, which could limit the harvest and, consequently, supply.