Prices in the tuber fresh sector are under pressure all over Europe. Traders blame the “early season”, which includes high yields of early varieties and lower consumption in hot weather. Imports from the Mediterranean are still being processed.

The spud retail trade in Ireland has remained average for this time of year. With the holiday season approaching, the processing trade remains quite positive.

“Maincrop growers welcomed the scattered rainfall that fell across most of the country. This week, queens have been lifted; sales have been sluggish due to the recent heatwave, but reports indicate that trade is improving. For this time of year, the quality of old season rooster remains excellent,” according to the latest IFA report.

In the UK is it reported that old crop whites are still in demand although quality issues are becoming more restrictive and in Scotland, there are very few suitable quality samples remaining. Crops on unirrigated sites have “stood still” since the very hot weather and yield potential “is already severely restricted”.