Consumption across both retail and food service channels increased over the past two weeks, driven by demand linked to the Easter period, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

The association noted that “weather conditions are still impeding planting progress,” highlighting ongoing delays in field operations across key growing regions.

At the same time, production economics remain a central concern. The IFA stated that “with the rising cost of production, many growers are still deciding on what is the best course of action for the upcoming season.”

Market conditions across Europe continue to reflect this uncertainty. According to the IFA, “contracts are falling behind and storage costs are rising,” adding pressure on operators managing existing inventories.

While there has been some improvement in fresh market activity, the association cautioned that “it is very unlikely that all stocks will be cleared,” pointing to a potential overhang as the season progresses.

Export demand is becoming increasingly selective. The IFA emphasized that “only very best quality is required for export,” citing examples such as Agria shipments from the Netherlands to Spain and African markets.