The food service sector has taken another hit as restaurants will be forced to shut sooner than expected due to reviewed lockdown measures. Retail demand remains positive as consumers continue to stock up for the festive period. There is good demand for quality Golden Wonder and Kerr Pinks, reflected in the market price. Brexit talks continue as the deadline is only days away.
Exports from the U.K have been hindered as trucks are backed up due to restrictions imposed after a new strain of the virus was detected in the U.K. Last week export markets for frying and packing material had been extremely busy ahead of a no-deal Brexit scenario.
In Europe the North Western European Potato Growers group (NPEG) is encouraging growers to reduce plantings by 15-20% next year to take account of the reduced requirement for processing. Free buy prices are currently very weak and they are not being helped by the need to clear stores because of signs of sprouting.
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box | €320 | €380 | €350 |
| Rooster 10 kg | €3.30 | €3.80 | €3.50 |
| Whites Box | €300 | €350 | €320 |
| Kerr Pinks | €4.50 | €5.00 | €4.80 |
| Golden Wonder | €4.80 | €5.50 | €5.20 |
