Market conditions in terms of consumption and retail sales appear to have settled, with good demand reported for packing-quality material. Prices have also stabilised. Demand for the bagging and peeling trade is lacklustre due to an overhang of last season's potatoes, but this should now settle as well. Some growers continue to lift the remainder of the crop, though the majority is now finished.
Across Europe, lifting is almost complete, and conditions have improved following recent rain. Stores are mostly full, and some precarious temporary storage is being used for the last of the crop. In France, storage issues are being reported, including rots, while early germination has also been noted. There is almost no demand for free-buy potatoes from factories.
In the U.K., growers are looking to clear the crop that is in temporary storage, and pricing pressure is evident, with "to clear" values being offered.
For more information:
IFA
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: [email protected]
www.ifa.ie
