Inside: Onion Market
How dramatic is the old onion harvest now?
After last year's onion harvest, everyone assumed it would be a good onion year. However, it soon became apparent that this was not the case. What were the arguments for the high expectations and how did it go after that? Is there any chance of a revival this season?
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Choose the subscription that suits youExpectations for the onion sales season were high in the autumn of 2016. 4 reasons gave rise to positivism. The harvest took place under good conditions and the yield seemed moderate. In addition, the potatoes were expensive and the onion market was coming off a good onion season.
The reality, however, is that the market remains calm in the autumn. Maybe a bit too quiet. It is all the more striking that a record volume of onions could still be converted. Africa is the number one buyer. The positive image of the export figures does not seem to be able to influence the mood and price.
Why didn't it run until New Year's?
- Export demand does not stimulate trade
- There was sufficient supply of onions, there was no gap between the planting and seed onion harvest
- One-sided question (West Africa)
- Top buyer Senegal is switching to an import quota earlier than expected, but is purchasing a record amount of onions
- After Senegal closes its borders, there is no destination that will take over the greatest demand
- Due to the lack of Poland in the buyers' market, there is no bottom in the market
The phenomenon that we have seen more and more in recent years is that the first half of the onion season offers more prospects than the second. That is also the case this season. Uncertainty has been prevalent throughout the season, but it becomes even more prevalent in the second half of the year.
The month of February has always been a thin month in terms of trade and lack of support. It is therefore not possible to attract new buyers. Although demand from Brazil does not seem to be there, the latest export figures show that the South American country was still the fourth customer. The fact remains that Africa has disappeared and demand from Eastern Europe is not (yet) available. Even the current one low prices The Netherlands is not able to generate sales with quality onions.
The fact that there is too little demand for onions globally is worrying. 18.000 tons should be exported every week, but the export figure does not exceed 12.000 tons. If temperatures in Eastern Europe do not rise soon, there is no reason for optimism and there is even a chance that we will be left with an old harvest. A dramatic thought.
Average regional fairs for sowing onions, coarse harvest 2016
