Market conditions in terms of consumption and retail sales appear to have settled, with good demand reported for packing quality material. Prices have also stabilised. Demand for the bagging and peeling trade is lacklustre due to an overhang of last season potatoes but this should now settle also. Some growers continue to lift the remainer of crop. The majority is now finished.
Across Europe, lifting is almost complete and conditions are much improved following the recent rain. Stores are mostly full and some precarious temporary storage is being used for the last of the crop. In France, storage issues are being reported, including rots but early germination has also been noted. There is almost no demand for free buy from factories.
In the U.K. growers are looking to clear crop which is in temporary store and pressure on pricing is evident with ‘to clear’ values being offered.
