Both farmer prices and bale prices have risen this week. The price increases are supported by increased demand from exports, resulting in a healthy market situation.
The onion market is doing quite well at the moment. There is a lot of demand for Dutch onions worldwide. The last published export figure (week 39), with 39.226 tonnes, is even the second highest export figure ever. Only in week 51 of 2019, more onions were exported with a volume of 40.606 tons. The export figures are always a few weeks behind (it is now week 42). There has also been a lot of demand for Dutch onions over the past 3 weeks and there are also many orders for next week.
Broader demand for onions
Not only the volume is a positive aspect in the latest export figures. The demand for Dutch onions has become much broader with the interest from Asian destinations. This ensures that demand is much healthier.
Processors have tried to keep their inventories limited for a long time. Hardly any onions were purchased in July and August. Now that exports are doing better than expected, people have to go back to the farm. Many growers have just put the onions behind the shelves, so there is no need to sell. This has allowed farm prices to make a good step forward.
Positive stock market prices
All 3 regional stock exchanges show positive differences in quotations this week. If the quotations are compared, €12,50 to €16,00 is paid for the seed onions from the shed. In Emmeloord, prices are also quoted ex land, this quote amounts to €10 to €12.
In addition to farm prices, bale prices have also risen and are now €20 plus. An overview of the bale prices can be found in the DCA listing Bale price Onions.