European Potato Markets MONTHLY

摘要

Great Britain: GB harvest estimate as expected but area anomalies remain; Ex farm average prices moving upwards; N Ireland minister announces potato sector consultation; New levy body structure proposed; Exquisa and Smile potatoes join Tesco's 'Finestlabel; UK supermarkets rapped for unhealthy offerings; Organic sales gain in UK grocery battle; Private equity giant circles frozen food brands; Wai-Man sales rise, struggling Asda disappoints; Consumers in UK hunger for online convenience but spendingsmall; Netherlands : Increase in ware area this year? Firm undertone but additional stimulus needed; Futures prices drift downwards; Processing usage data confirm steady to improved demand; Record net ware imports to October 31; Seed statistics show revival of many old varieties; Germany : Upward harvest revision to 11 35mt; More sales now needed; Regional reports; Decline in fresh consumption resumed in September; Future of Linda variety secured for two years; Belgium : Harvest 18% down on last year but larger than 2003; Varietal harvest breakdown; Quiet market; Less raw material for processing in store this year; Vlam launches seed potato website; France : Ware harvest estimate unchanged; Export problems affecting demand; No change in processing prices; Consumption decline continues but farm shops/markets sell more; CNIPT to represent earlies sector from January; McDonald's plans 65 more outlets by end 2006; EU : Market remains firm; PepsiCo snaps up Sara Lee snacks; Health labelling claims debate to restart; Spain : Harvest 5.6% down on last year; Prices slip back, still above four-year average; Portugal: Crop almost 18% down; Czech Republic : Harvest estimate upgraded; Average producer prices stable, wholesale lower; No market improvement expected in near future; Italy : Consumers turning from imports to domestic supplies; Scientists developing Vegetable vaccination' to combat bio-terrorism; Ireland : Weather still a factor, but lifting 95% complete; Austria : Total production put 6% higher; Exports compensate for low domestic demand; USA : Autumn harvest 6.8% down on 2004; Tight supplies sustain US prices; PepsiCo cuts 250 jobs in snacks division; Call for fast food chains to do more on trans fats; Lucrative food additives from potato waste: US research; Canada : Demoralised potato industry; Switzerland : Stocks relatively high, except of fry varieties; New Zealand/Thailand: Quarantine restriction lifted; Ukraine : Prices stabilise at relatively high level; Afghanisttan: Farmers encouraged to switch from poppies to potatoes; CHina: McCain halts fry production in Harbin; Slovenia: Plantings decline continues.