Comment: Retail demand remains buoyant, as consumers continue to dine at home. The possibility that outdoor dining could return next month is positive for the processing sector, which has been effectively shut down for months on end.

Colder nighttime temperatures have slowed growth of early crops, particularly in coastal regions. There are reports of frost damage as covers are removed from some early crops this week. Recent dry weather has allowed good progress on main crop preparations and plantings at this point.

In the UK, demand for packing material has dropped as restrictions ease and the bagged trade has seen a significant boost as consumers dine out again.

Planting has been delayed by the very cold weather. The earliest planted crops, which had emerged, are reported to have been “saved” by irrigation.

Physical prices in mainland Europe are reported to be slightly stronger this week, both in the processing and fresh sectors. Export demand has improved slightly.