Wilson’s Country is confirming that the first early potatoes will be in shops across Northern Ireland by the middle of June.
Company managing director, Lewis Cunningham, further explained: “Planting was completed by the middle of March.
“These first early crops have responded well to the recent spell of good weather.”
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.
“Potato markets are reasonably steady at the present time. The vast bulk of last year’s crop was lifted before Christmas.
“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,” Cunningham said.
He welcomed the fact that the current weather has also allowed growers to get on with “nonstop field work for the maincrop planting”.
Meanwhile, approximately 70% of the maincrop area managed by Wilson’s Country growers has now been planted out.
Wilson’s Country agronomist Stuart Meredith commented: “The next 10 days should see the remainder of the 2026 planting work completed.
“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, Meredith confirmed that imports from Cyprus are now available.
He added: “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.”
Increasing input costs will be a key challenge for potato growers as 2026 progresses.
“Most growers secured the fertiliser they need at planting before the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
“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.”
Cunningham stressed that, as a business, Wilson’s Country are “totally committed” to securing the highest levels of sustainability within the potato sector.
He said: “We have invested in an anaerobic digestion plant at our processing operation in Co Armagh.
“Potato peelings are a key component of the feedstock used in the system.
“Committing to a circular economy is at the very heart of our future plans. And it’s important that we take our growers with us on this journey.”