AHDB has released it's weekly potato report. Rainfall across the country has had varying responses. Some are welcoming it as dryness was causing bruising issues, but for many it has caused lifting delays. Lifting is generally continuing at pace, with growers trying to get some complete before the rain forecast this weekend. Generally trade has remained subdued. Packing Maris Piper seems to be the only material making any kind of traction.
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Packing
Maris Piper continues to take the lead this week, with demand above that for generic whites. Generally retail trade isn’t reported to be inspiring, with repeat orders trickling through and contracted material fulfilling the majority. There continues to be some reports of bruising, but the rain this week will hopefully provide some relief from this in the driest areas.
Bags
With school holidays over, the bag trade often quietens somewhat, but new curfews and increased local lockdowns seems to be taking its toll too. Trade continues to be that of repeat orders. For some, it is at reduced volumes as buyers are conscious of over-buying. Many have described trade as “tailing off a touch” as the week goes on.
Processing
Processing demand continues to be primarily covered by contracted material. Small amounts of low priced processing material is being traded on the free-buy market.
Exports
Some low volumes of export trade continues to Ireland, but the uncertainty around the foodservice sector seems to have knocked demand a bit this week.
Exports to the Canary Islands are still good although slightly back this week, due to a shipping issue causing two vessels to arrive at once.
Expectation is that it will return to normal from next week.
Source: AHDB