Warmer weather this week could impact consumption as consumers typically move towards salads. Markets for processing material is also subdued at present. More Queens will come onto the market from the northeast in the next fortnight. To date yields have been described as good and demand for early varieties has been positive so far.
Across Europe, domestic markets are also under pressure with little demand for export. Many areas are still experiencing drought with recent totals of 15 to 20mm but there has been heavier rainfall in Southern Belgium and Germany. Long term storers are losing heart with the realisation that the new crop is coming on swiftly. In the U.K. for chipping varieties, several buyers are giving the impression that they will try to clear old crop before they start new.
