Comment: Retail demand and consumption remains buoyant as restrictions remain in place. The food service sector remains shut down as we approach Easter and trade is at a standstill. Another week of good weather across the country, with the exception of rain over the weekend, has meant that early plantings have continued at pace.

However, night temperatures are still low. Some growers are considering main crop plantings also as conditions improve.

In the UK, the market situation remains unchanged. Demand for free-buy supplies was minimal this week. Anecdotally it is reported that supermarkets and packers over-purchased last week and they are still working through supplies.

Plantings continue as ground conditions are described as ideal.

Restrictions remain in place across Europe and the uncertainty of how long they may remain is hanging over growers who are trying to make planting decisions. Cold stores are full of product and exports are not taking place.

Seed companies are reporting that growers are in a dilemma regarding their 2020 plantings. So far, cancellations of seed orders have been minimal but there is still a lot of seed to be delivered.