‘Optimal’ growing conditions have created a glut of Ontario potatoes this season. As a result, suppliers have been forced to cope with lower per-unit prices.
“The potato market here in Ontario is sloppier than it was last year,” says Gus Bondi of Toronto-based Bondi Produce. Bondi attributes this to higher yields across the province. “They had a lot of potatoes in the ground,” he says, referring to regional growers. Bondi notes that most farms had higher yields due to an ideal combination of rain and moisture levels throughout the year, along with a warmer fall.
“Your average potato grower is leaving potatoes in the ground longer,” Bondi explains, pointing out that temperate fall weather eliminated concerns over frost damage.
With the increase in inventory, prices are depressed. Bondi Produce has been forced to cut its potato prices by roughly 10% compared to fall of 2014, with prices on 50 lb. bags sinking by a full dollar.
Bondi believes that his buyers will focus on increased awareness over the next two months, with retailers attempting to drive demand for Ontario potatoes. “You can expect a lot more retail ads on front pages until Christmas.”
