Colombia: Potatoes have become cheap and are being offered at $700 per pound.

This constant flow of food allows for continued distribution, although prices and availability are subject to fluctuations caused by climatic, economic, and logistical factors that impact the supply chain.

Among the products that most impact the basic food basket is the potato, a staple in the Colombian diet . In recent days, its price has varied: some varieties are trending downward, while others remain stable in the wholesale market and at retail outlets.

According to figures from Corabastos and DANE’s SIPSA wholesale price component, the main potato references have shown stability or decrease in prices. To verify this information, Valora Analitik consulted several neighborhood stores in Bogotá, where it was found that sales prices per pound generally reflect the prices at the wholesale center.

It’s important to clarify that Corabastos’ figures correspond to wholesale purchases, so retail prices may vary. Below are the prices for some of the most popular varieties:

• Pastusa potatoes (50-kilo bag): $40,000. In neighborhood stores, the price per pound is $600, with a downward trend.

• Industrial R12 potatoes (50-kilo bag): $60,000. In stores, the price per pound is $1,100, with a stable trend.

• R12 black potatoes (50-kilo bag): $60,000. In stores, prices are also stable at $1,100 per pound.

• R12 red potatoes (50-kilo bag): $40,000. In stores, they sell for $700 per pound, demonstrating stability.

• Sabanera potatoes (50-kilo bag): $160,000. In stores, the price per pound reaches $3,100, with a downward trend.

• Supreme potato (50-kilo bag): $40,000. In stores, the price per pound is $800, with stable performance.

Unlike previous varieties, the Creole potato has seen more noticeable price fluctuations. According to the latest SIPSA reports, the price of a 45-kilo bag of clean Creole potatoes ranges from a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $220,000. Meanwhile, a 50-kilo bag of dirty Creole potatoes ranges between $180,000 and $200,000.

When comparing this data with Corabastos prices, differences are observed. Washed Creole potatoes, packaged in 50-kilogram bags, are priced at $220,000. In neighborhood stores, a pound reaches $4,400, with a tendency to remain stable. In this case, the variation is associated with the weight of the bags between what is reported by DANE and what is sold at the central office.

As for dirty Creole potatoes, a 50-kilo bag sells for $150,000 in Corabastos, $30,000 less than the range reported by DANE (National Agricultural Development Agency). In stores, the price per pound is around $2,900.