Demand for the retail trade is buoyant. The food service sector has seen a welcome lift, although trade remains challenged. There are further reports of skin finish issues, which are limiting the availability for pre-pack quality. The prospect of an export market to Europe has been muted with some strong enquiries over the past two weeks. Growers in the south east planted some early varieties last week but the turn in weather once again will limit progress.
In the U.K. buyers are looking for quality M.Piper but rejections for bruising are common and contracts are being pulled forward to obtain the volume required. Enquiries for free-buy volume in Scotland are increasing.
