The home consumption of potatoes and retail sales remain lacklustre. Warm weather conditions this summer have had an effect on sales. Sales of Queens, which were reported to be quite good, have also slowed down this week. Sales of potatoes through the food service channels should be positive as we are in the peak holiday period. Met Éireann currently has a blight advisory notice in place – weather conditions conductive to blight are expected.
Across Europe, markets remain under pressure while old crops are being cleared. The new crop is also arriving in increasing quantities. The clash in supplies, which has been brought about by the very early Spring this year, has also affected the fresh market, where "significant quantities" have been moved to cattle feed and AD plants in France.
In the UK, it is becoming clear that the hot, windy weather over the last 7 to 10 days has had a significant effect on maincrop varieties, and many are starting to senesce earlier than expected. Tuber numbers are generally average to low.
For more information:
IFA
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: [email protected]
www.ifa.ie
