Comment: There were mixed reviews on trade in the food- service sector over the weekend as pubs and restaurants began to reopen. Retail demand remains buoyant, with colder weather than expected for July so far. Queens continue to come on to the market and volumes are now increasing. Demand to date is reported to be quite good. Prices are in the region of €1,000/t.

Wet weather conditions have aided the development of main crop. However, growers are advised that blight may become an issue.

Similarly, in the UK, the coronavirus situation continues to impede demand across all sectors. Many old-crop contracts are being cleared up in the packing market and new-crop potato demand is also covered mostly on contract.

Demand remains lethargic for free-buy new-crop. It seems retailers are generally running off mostly contracted supply and chip shops are generally experiencing quiet trade.

In Europe, improved growing conditions have been reported over the last week, particularly in eastern Europe. However, market disruption remains, with fears of a second wave in some countries. Processing activity continues to reopen and is returning faster than expected in some countries.