The onion market is still very difficult. The export does not go smoothly and the growers have not had anyone in the yard for some time. What does this do to prices?
The export figures announced this week were quite disappointing to everyone. Immediately weekly export of 7.172 tons of onions (week 6) the bottom is lower than expected. It is doubtful whether the figures between week 6 and week 9 are just as low; although not much will be exported anymore. This has ensured that 5 of the 35 Dutch onion processors working time reduction have applied for some of the permanent employees; After all, there is hardly any work.
The reason for the quiet export is the fact that Dutch onions are too expensive. There are also plenty of alternatives to obtain cheaper onions (than Dutch onions). The retail sector will also soon largely switch to new harvest, with New Zealand and South Africa being the main suppliers.
Bale prices versus farm prices
However, there are certainly destinations in Europe that buy onions in the Netherlands. However, as long as they do not purchase large volumes, this will not make any difference. The growers who still have a box of onions in their shed winning that European destinations are still coming to the market. These onion growers maintain high onion prices, causing a 'mismatch' between bale prices and farm prices.
The regional fairs in Emmeloord and Middenmeer both came in a calm mood this week. All 3 regional stock exchanges are otherwise unchanged in all major categories.