Demand and consumption remain buoyant as the colder, wet weather persists. Available stocks continue to tighten as new season varieties continue to trickle onto the market. The market will continue like this for at least another two weeks until more new season Queens are fit to dig. There are reports that some of the early planted early varieties are back on yield because of the weather conditions after planting.
Across Europe, all eyes are on the new season crop and when sufficient quantities will be available to restart production for processing after factories have been closed for maintenance. This pressure seems to be the highest in Belgium, where planting was very late. As it stands, the availability of early processing crop looks to be very tight in July and sufficient volumes will not be available until mid-August. Some early "table" varieties are being lifted. Prices are similar to last year and have not dropped off as they normally would.
Source: ifa.ie