Why does Belgium buy so many Dutch onions?

If we look at the countries that purchase the most Dutch onions, Belgium was in seventh place last season; with a volume of 37.699 tons of onions. So many onions are imported for a country that also grows onions. The cause of these high figures is a different story.

The Belgian supermarkets want Belgian onions on their shelves. There are few sorters for small packaging in Belgium. As a result, many Belgian onions are packed in the Netherlands, after which they are exported back to Belgium. These onions contribute to the Dutch export figures. The figures remain quite stable.

Belgium itself also exports the necessary onions. The port of Antwerp in particular is an important link in this. Many Dutch onions are also shipped via the port of Antwerp. These onions count towards the Dutch export figures. The port of Antwerp forms a link in the export chain.

Quality problems
There have been problems with the cultivation of onions in Belgium this season. The persistent drought in particular has resulted in very fine size sorting in West Flanders and western Wallonia. There are also many problems with shot, because the MH is not recorded properly. The situation can be compared with the situation that has affected Zeeuws-Vlaanderen this year. The situation is better in the rest of Belgium. 

Comparable prices as in the Netherlands
Prices in Belgium are around the same level as in the Netherlands. A few years ago a difference could be noticed. At that time, prices in Belgium were significantly €0,01 or €0,02 lower than in the Netherlands.

In recent years, these prices have converged, because trade from the Netherlands has focused more on Belgium. It is true that transport costs in Belgium are higher than in the Netherlands. This is because trucks are allowed to load a maximum of 28 tons.

Growing under contract
In Belgium, growers are used to growing onions under contract. Cultivation for free trade is therefore avoided as much as possible. The onion area in Belgium is currently around 3.000 hectares. 

An increase in this number is expected in the coming years. Good contracts must be concluded for these extra hectares. Belgian growers find growing for the free market exciting.Belgium has 11 million inhabitants and is 0,7 times the size of the Netherlands (30.528 km2).