Comment: Retail demand was buoyant over the Christmas period and remains quite good as we enter into Level 5 restrictions. Unfortunately, on the flip side, these restrictions continue to have devastating consequences for the food service sector. There are reports of high tare values across the country.

Following an amendment to EU legislation, ware potatoes from the UK can now be imported under strict phytosanitary conditions. This does not apply to seed potatoes.

Trade disruptions continue across the UK and Europe as tighter restrictions are imposed. UK exports have been somewhat disrupted over the past two weeks because of a travel ban caused by a new strain of COVID-19, as well as Brexit arrangements. On a positive note, according to the NPEG, consumption of fresh potatoes has increased by 11% over the past year.