The hot weather last week had a further effect on retail sales and home consumption of all potato lines except for salad varieties. Many families are abroad on holidays, which is also impacting sales. Demand from the food service sector is steady and should improve. The market for Queens has stabilised and most outlets are transitioning to larger pack sizes.
Across Europe, there are reports that the crop is still at risk from the high temperatures and ongoing drought conditions, but it is too early to be negative. Old crops are coming to an end, with nominal values quoted for remaining stock. New crop is arriving from the South and is just starting in Belgium and Germany. Yields are good at 40 to 44t/ha but only 30t/ha from unirrigated sites. In the U.K. good demand is reported for old crop Whites again this week, with more enquiries. There are now more signs of stocks running down.
