When will Europe enter the onion market?

Demand from African export destinations is lacking. Some onions are still being exported to Africa, but the large volumes are missing. As a result, it is very quiet for the exporters. From the European destinations there is indeed interest in Dutch onions, but the destinations are struggling with high prices.

The alternative suppliers from Austria and Ukraine can supply onions cheaper. Eastern European destinations are also more explicit on the onion market, especially for the lower quality onions.

Since there is currently no demand from exports, trade to the growers is very calm. In the long run, there will be more interest in onions. The fact that Europe will soon be on the market is not yet a thing of the past. As a result, not all traders and processors dare to take a position in the long term.

Difference between medium and coarse increase
The bale prices for medium sorting (40 to 60 millimetres) and coarse sorting (60 to 80 millimetres) have been close to each other for a long time. Due to the loss of demand from Africa, the bale price of middle sorting is coming under pressure. There is more sales for the large onions (Great Britain). This increases the difference in bale prices between the coarse grades.

Negative stock markets
The exchanges in Emmeloord and Middenmeer have recorded a negative difference in prices for the first time in a long time. While the Goes stock market still quoted unchanged on Tuesday 8 January, the quotations on Wednesday 9 January (Middenmeer) and Thursday (Emmeloord) 10 January are a lot worse. With all coarse grades, a minimum of €1 is noted in the minus.

Particularly with the 30% to 60% coarse onions, a significant minus is noted. In Emmeloord it is a minus of €2 and in Middenmeer it's a minus of €6. In addition, both markets indicate a calm mood.