Home consumption and retail demand continue to improve and are reported to be similar to levels seen at this time last year. Colder weather conditions and the return of family routines have contributed to this shift in consumption habits. Lifting conditions are ideal this week following rainfall last week. Crops are becoming fit much earlier than last year, as expected.
In the UK, heavy rain restricted lifting in the west last week. Further east, the rain has improved lifting conditions, but in the South East, irrigation before lifting is still required. Loading into the store has just started in Scotland. High dry matter in all areas is having a marked influence on trade. Demand for chipping varieties has been very flat, with downward pressure on prices.
Across Europe, lifting is generally more advanced for the fresh market than for processing, but free-buy sales remain difficult.
For more information:
IFA
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: [email protected]
www.ifa.ie