Worldwide Levels of Potato Consumption, Higher Than They Were Pre-Pandemic

The latest report from the Irish Farmers' Association shows that the worldwide levels of potato consumption are higher than they were pre-pandemic in many countries, all feedbacks from the sector being optimistic.

Across Europe, fresh market prices are holding and there has been more interest in export from buyers in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe this week.

“Lifting has progressed well during the week but is still delayed in South West Holland and Belgium where there was still 40% to clear at the end of last week,” according to the IFA's report.

In the U.K., apart from the Fens which still has 30% to clear “85%” of the crop is now lifted although there are still pockets where either lack of storage or slow movement off the field has prevented clearance.

Demand for the Processing Sector Remains Resilient

Retail trade is reported to be slower during the last period, as schools are on the mid-term break however, with wetter, colder weather forecast this should improve. Demand for the processing sector remains resilient, especially compared with this time last year when the country was in the midst of level five lockdown.

“Good ground conditions have allowed growers to achieve good lifting progress to date, some growers have finished. There are continued reports of below-average yields,” the IFA's experts added.