Retail sales and domestic consumption are steady. Demand for the food service sector remains the same, with limited spikes in demand reports so far this year. Improved weather conditions through late April have allowed planting to progress in most regions, although delays to date mean the season cannot be considered early. Cost of production continues to dominate discussions, with energy volatility linked to global instability continuing to impact fertiliser, transport, and storage costs.
Across Europe, market conditions are unchanged, with destocking of free-buy a priority. In an effort to clear unused stocks, the Belgian industry is approaching food banks but also public waste companies to deal with the surplus. The same issue exists in Holland where it is emphasised that all Plant Health regulations must be strictly adhered to. In the U.K. cold conditions have kept growth in check and many areas are now becoming very dry.
