Home consumption continues to remain similar to 2019 levels before the onset of the pandemic for both retail and processing markets. The same trend is also currently experienced across other fresh produce items. Queens continue to be lifted this week, with more volumes now available. Again, eating quality is reported to be excellent and yields are above average. Trade remains subdued, maincrop material in stores is putting pressure on growers carrying the burden of increased energy costs.
Across Europe, buyers for main processing factories are now concentrating on contracts and demand for free buy has “dried up”, apart from some excess to contract. The new crop is reported to be yielding well and “a week ahead” of last year.
The area of seed production in Scotland has decreased this year (10,219 ha vs 10,461ha) following the fallout our from Brexit. In the U.K. early maturing varieties have performed well and many maincrops look very well but quality issues are starting to appear. All areas apart from the North West are becoming dry and irrigation over the past four weeks has been hindered by strong winds. Common Scab is being noted in crops down the eastern side of the country.
Low | High | Average | |
Rooster box | €380 | €450 | €400 |
Rooster 10 kg | €4 | €5 | €4.50 |
Kerr Pinks | €5 | €6 | €5.50 |