Inside Onions
Europe is pulling hard on New Zealand onions
The engine of the New Zealand onion export is running at full speed. It is a logical consequence of the scarcity, which particularly affects the European market. Which countries are pulling the hardest on New Zealand onions?
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Choose the subscription that suits youIt was to be expected that Dutch onion processors would start looking early in the season to alternatives, because it soon became clear that the onion harvest would be poor. Therefore, many of the processors had their eyes on New Zealand and new export figures (through week 11) show that Europe has been able to claim a large part of that harvest.
More exports from New Zealand
Of the total volume New Zealand exported (56.164 tonnes), 42.773 tonnes were shipped to Europe. The Netherlands received 13.659 tons of onions from the country, making it by far the largest importer of New Zealand onions. This volume is also 3.117 tonnes more than was imported last year up to and including week 11. After the Netherlands, Germany (8.211 tons) and the other European countries (6.961 tons) follow.
In addition, Malaysia also entered the New Zealand onion market this season. The country imported 1.643 tons from New Zealand, which is 1.405 tons more than last year (+590%). On the other hand, Japan, with 817 tonnes, is 62% behind last year.
Lead increases
When we look at the total onion sales from New Zealand to mainland Europe, we see that the lead has increased compared to previous years. This has now increased to 13.481 tonnes. That is a plus of 58% compared to last year and 36% more than the 6-year average.
