Consumption and sales particularly for packing quality material continues to improve. Overall consumption has been steady for the past few weeks, which has improved trade. Growers continue to lift main season crop at present. It is reported that tare levels on early planted material are higher than expected, with cracking issues prominent. Reports on yields continue to be mixed, unirrigated crops especially in the northeast of the country are reported to be back on last year.
Across Europe, lifting progress on processing varieties is around 40-50% but irrigation before lifting is still taking place in the driest areas and some growers have had to stop again. Market conditions remain unchanged, with significant volumes being diverted into AD and stockfeed. Some contracts are delayed and rejection rates appear to be on the increase. There is no interest in free buy from buyers. Lifting progress for consumption potatoes is more advanced, with suggestions of around “70%” in France. Markets are relying almost totally on contracts.
