Some encouraging news for the food service sector as restaurants were given the green light to re-open on Friday. Retail trade remains strong as we approach the busy Christmas period. Liftings continue in Donegal when conditions allow. The importation of seed potato and ware potato from the U.K. may be affected from January 1st next year, this will present opportunities for Irish growers to produce more of these potatoes.
In the U.K. lockdown restrictions continue to slow trade. Prices have stayed relatively stable, with ranging quality causing some price fluctuations. There have been some reports of poorer quality material due to bruising and water logging. Export demand has remained firmer than domestic demand, particularly supported by strong consumption in the Canary Islands.
Across Europe prices in the fresh sector are holding firm. Good to strong demand has been aided by promotions in the multiples while lockdown restrictions remain in place. The processing market is unchanged and everyone is looking for signs of hope. The only encouragement so far is that excess to contract and free buy is being cleared with ease to other outlets although at very low prices. It is reported that there is low availability of containers to export seed tops from Scotland this week.Â
Low | High | Average | |
Rooster box | €320 | €380 | €350 |
Rooster 10 kg | €3.30 | €3.80 | €3.60 |
Whites Box | €300 | €350 | €320 |
Kerr Pinks | €4.20 | €5.20 | €4.80 |