Retail sales and consumption are slightly subdued due to the weather conditions over the past two weeks. Irrigation of early Roosters is now taking place in parts of the country. Some more early Queens are reported to be coming onto the market this week. Stocks of Premier and Home Guard are clearing fast. The peeling stock market remains strong with prices over €350/tonne. Stocks of Rooster are extremely tight and it is likely that there will be a gap in the market before early Rooster comes on stream.
In Northern Europe, buyers have been back in the market competing for the dwindling supply of old crop and prices have edged higher again. First estimates of plantings in Northern Europe indicate that areas are similar or slightly above last year. Planting has just finished in Belgium. Export demand has resurfaced again this week, leaving buyers competing for supplies.
In the U.K, soils are now drying up and crops continue to be irrigated. Cold winds in coastal regions have slowed down growth rates. Buyers are looking for Whites with baker content to cover stocks and there has been good demand again this week. Prices remain firm although there has been resistance to the top end values being quoted.
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