The hot weather over the past week will likely slow home consumption of potatoes. Growers in the south-east are irrigating as temperatures soared. The first early home guard and premiere will be dug in Wexford this week and slowly trickle onto the market over the next few weeks. Maincrop plantings should be completely wrapped up by this weekend.
Across Europe, quality standards are being strictly adhered to and it is becoming increasingly hard to avoid rejection or deductions. “The pressure on quality is even more marked in the crisping sector”. Rejected loads have no value.
World Potato Markets reports that the total planted area in Germany is estimated to be 7.1% lower for the coming season. This follows the first estimation in France of a fall of 5.2% in the consumption area, although this will still be the second largest area on record.
