In several regions it is waiting for different weather. The precipitation of the past few weeks has put an end to the smooth completion of the onion harvest and the planning for this period. Anyone who still has to harvest onions is not to be envied.
Now a fair amount still needs to be harvested the export demand is good, the onion market takes on a different shine. Based on the area and the expected yields, traders did not have high hopes for this season in advance. This has also been acted upon. However, sentiment can suddenly change when the harvest comes to a standstill due to precipitation. Interest in onions (dry from the shed) is increasing and sorters can no longer do without them. This means that the work stocks require accurate replenishment, but that is a significant challenge.
Onion grower is at the wheel
The grower is currently working with dry onions. Although trading is not really hectic, the prices for dry onions from the shed are rising considerably. The regional quotes set the top this week at €13 per 100 kilos, although the asking price is now above that level. It has always been the case that the asking price for field crops rises faster than the bale price, which causes tension for the sorter and/or exporter.
The demand for yellow onions is a lot better this week, as a number of boats and containers can be filled until Wednesday, October 16, for export to Senegal and Ivory Coast, among others. In addition, many pink onions have to be sorted, which reduces some of the capacity for sorting yellow onions.
Keep looking for buyers
It is striking that there is little trade left for the longer term. Confidence in the sales of onions is therefore still not very high, which means that people are reacting too quickly. Few miracles are expected from Africa this year, which means that sales will decline in mid-January. Other sales markets will then be required for the fine(er) batches. The views are mainly directed towards the east. From the outset, Poland has had a strong market presence, but other Eastern European countries have also shown a willingness to buy.
As in previous weeks, exports can be described as broad. In addition to the boats mentioned for Africa, Asia is also on the market this season. It is remarkable that the bale price (with the current demand) is difficult to increase. The story of onion sets getting in the way is no longer an issue, but apparently that doesn't help either. To fill the boats for Africa, exporters sometimes have to pay a little more, but this seems to be a temporary phenomenon.