Consumption remains relatively stable, although the trend towards consumers purchasing smaller pack sizes continues. Growers in the North East are continuing to harvest crops, with good progress being made. However, rising harvesting, storage and fuel costs are placing further pressure on grower margins. With production costs remaining exceedingly high, growers continue to question the viability of next years season.
Across Europe, there is still ‘ex field’ loading but lifting is now ‘90%’ complete and the yield reductions are now very apparent. There is export demand mainly from France, from Mediterranean countries. On the processing side, McCain have just acquired a new processing plant in Gujarat, India which will take 135,000 tonnes per annum of raw material.
