As the festive season approaches, demand for the food service sector is improving. Retail demand for pre-packing quality is strong. There have been more reports of quality issues as potatoes are graded, probably caused by a lack of moisture during the main growing season and dry conditions when harvesting.
In the U.K. trade for the hospitality sector is reported to be very challenging and those supplying small retail outlets note that demand is lacklustre. Growers are waiting for packers to confirm contract prices, which is affecting decisions on seed and land rental. Export movement to the Canaries has again been restricted by shipping delays, which have caused scheduling problems for suppliers in the islands.
