Retail sales remain positive and home consumption is on par with where it was this time last year. Demand from the food service sector should improve this week as schools are on mid-term break. Most growers are finished or nearing completion of harvest. Quality issues remain in earlier planted material, likely due to drought early in the season.
Across Europe, the fresh market is almost totally contract based at this time. Export markets are very quiet at £90 to £150p.t. ex in jumbo bags where haulage is available. Demand in the U.K. market is described as “very average” but all sectors appear to be difficult. Those supplying local retail outlets are more positive. Prices are “just about” holding but the movement of reds is poor.
