THE QUALITY of the UK and European wheat crops could make or break the export market this year, according to experts.

A forecast of record crops in Spain and Italy, major markets for the UK, and strong grain exports from Eastern Europe will dictate demand from millers, said the Home-Grown Cereals Authority.

“Spanish millers believe that they will be able to buy Black Sea wheat at very low prices,” warned HGCA technical marketing manager Emma Jackson.

She has recently returned from pre-harvest visits to Spain, Italy and Portugal to discuss import requirements of overseas millers for the coming season.

“Spain and Portugal are major importers of wheat but the UK is facing ever more competition.

“Much will depend on the quality and quantity of wheat available.

“The quality of group 2 UK wheat will be very important,” added Ms Jackson.

The group 2 varieties compete on the European market with French wheat.

“We are looking for wheat with a Chopin Alveograph W of over 160 and protein content between 11.5% and 13%,” said a Spanish miller.

Group 3 varieties are used by Portugal and Spain for blending, and are subject to less competition with UK wheat, which is recognised for its high quality.

But the quantity Mediterranean millers import will depend on the quality of this year‘s crop and the price, said the HGCA.