Irish Potato Market Report: retail demand remains strong

Irish Potato Market Report 11.11.20

Consumption and retail demand remain strong as we approach week 4 of lockdown measures although processing trade remains minimal.

Many growers are now finished liftings, with the exception of growers in Donegal who still have a lot to dig.

Lifting progress is estimated at around 80% at present. It is now confirmed that yields are between 15-20% below average.

In the U.K cautious buyers and lackluster demand have resulted in little free-buy price movement from last week.

Movement through the main retailers is reported to be 'up by 20%' since the beginning of the U.K. lockdown but other trade has been diminished.

In Europe, there are isolated areas where 25 to 30% of the crop remains to be lifted but the more settled weather should now give the opportunity for most of the crop to be harvested.

High levels of damage are being noted on many later lifted crops and particularly on Challenger and Fontane where D.M. levels are high.

There have already been rejections by processors.

Irish Potato Market Report 11.11.20