Comment: The market situation remains largely unchanged and the remaining good-quality packing stock continues to command a premium. Early liftings continue, with drought conditions hindering yields in many areas. Irrigation is a key concern for all growers. The May IFA stock survey figures indicate that there is less than 30,000t of potatoes left in store, which is on a par with last season, but considerably lower than previous years.

In the UK, irrigation is under way for those with access as the exceptionally hot and dry conditions continue. Strong winds last weekend caused some crop damage, especially forward crops and those on light land. Some material destined for French fries is moving into processing. It is important to note that a significant amount of the processing area is grown under contract.

Therefore, more outlets reopening will not necessarily result in an increase in free-buy movement.

It will hopefully help to get processing material moved out of store. Drought is a key concern across Europe, with similar conditions being reported from the northern part of the Paris Basin in France, Belgium and Lander in Germany. The NEPG estimates some 2m tonnes from the 2019 crop will not be processed before the end of the season.