Despite the lack of appearance of the Dutch onion market, a relatively large number of onions are shipped. The movements are closely monitored by growers who still have unsold onions in storage. A weak market/mood is associated with a market in which few onions leave, but that is not the case.
The extent of what growers still have remains a matter of speculation. Various buyers/commissioners can make a good estimate of the stock of onions for their work area. However, it sometimes turns out that an identifiable box of onions has already been promised to another merchant at an earlier stage, so that the visible quantity is slightly different from unsold.
We gamble with very little
Whether this will lead to an answer to the question: 'And where do we get the onions from now?' remains to be seen in June. In any case, buyers indicate that the real diehards among the onion keepers are not yet willing to give it away. The costs have been incurred and the risks have been taken. 'We gamble with very little', the reasoning goes.
In the meantime, the growth of the winter onions and the very early onion sets is being closely monitored. Some of it will be harvestable later than can be expected. This may provide scope for the sale of old harvest onions for longer. The good quality of Dutch onions currently provides opportunities to start exports to Germany.
Export to France is striking
Last season, more than 19 tons of onions were exported to Germany up to and including week 31.500. Last season that was approximately 19.000 tons. For Austria it is 750 tonnes (y) versus 400 tonnes. It is striking that the export figure to France differs less at 19.800 tonnes (2016) compared to this season's 18.500 tonnes.
On the other hand, there is a larger difference compared to last season in the export of Dutch onions to Spain: 19.200 tons (2016) compared to 7.800 tons (2017). Onion exports to Italy also show a similar picture: approximately 8.600 tons compared to almost 2.400 tons in the current season.
Furthermore, buyers in the former Eastern Bloc are also lagging behind in importing Dutch onions: 8.100 tons this season compared to 23.200 tons in the 2015-2016 season. However, the purchase of onions by Great Britain is 35.500 tonnes (plus 42 percent) ahead and makes up for a considerable part of the arrears of the European countries mentioned above.
Purchases picked up quickly
The current purchases of onions are collected quickly, which implies that working stocks are kept very tight. Because not every grower is convinced of the usefulness and necessity of doing business now, some growers are approached by several parties to hand over onions. This reinforces the feeling that there may still be some sting in the tail.
The current demand comes partly from West Africa and partly from Europe. As in previous years, the Netherlands within Europe is allowed to fill the time between 2 harvests, which means that the demand can quickly be over. While quality was a risk in the past two seasons, this is less of an issue this season. However, buying into it is a risk that is best avoided.