Brazil: Start of potato harvest in Vargem Grande do Sul puts pressure on wholesale prices

This week (June 28 to July 4), prices for special agate potatoes averaged R$53/sc in the wholesale market of São Paulo (SP) (-16.4%), R$51/sc in Belo Horizonte (MG) (-10.7%) and R$52/sc in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) (-16.8%).

The price declines reflect increased supply with the effective start of the harvest in Vargem Grande do Sul (SP). Furthermore, southwestern São Paulo increased tuber production this week, increasing pressure on sales prices in all wholesale markets.

According to collaborators consulted by the Hortifrúti/Cepea team, prices are expected to fall further in the coming days, given the increased volume offered primarily by markets in São Paulo, as well as others, such as Cristalina (GO). It should be noted that there are regions where an increase in supply is not expected, but which continue to supply the market.