Home consumption and retail demand have increased this week as schools return. There is excellent demand for new season Rooster, small quantities are coming available in the South East, although some growers are having to hold off lifting until rainfall comes. The weather and drought pressure continues to dominate the challenges in the sector. The full impact of the weather on yields and market supply will become clearer when maincrop harvesting begins. Reports to date indicate that yields could be reduced by 40% and some regional areas could be worse.
Across Europe, rainfall totals over the week from Northern France through to the Netherlands are in the region of 25mm. The “trade” is becoming resigned to the fact that production in Northen Europe could be in the region of 20% lower than the five year average but maincrop varieties still have some potential to add weight if there is rain.
In the U.K., in the East, yields on unirrigated maincrops mainly destined for packing are currently running at 25-75% compared to normal. About 75% of these crops are still growing, while desiccation is delayed in the hope of extra yield.
