New Zealand onion exports are not going smoothly. After a difficult growing season, there is less interest in onions from New Zealand, especially from Europe.
New Zealand exports between 170.000 tonnes and 200.000 tonnes of onions annually. Normally a third to almost half of this goes to Europe. Furthermore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Pacific Islands are the most important destinations. However, exports to Europe have so far remained significantly behind last year. This partly has to do with the course of the growing season.
Onion growers in New Zealand have had a difficult season. Conditions were warm and dry early in the season. This made it difficult for the crop to grow, resulting in fine onions with a thin skin. Towards the end of the season (heavy) precipitation followed. This did little to help the onions grow, it actually resulted in serious infections with mildew. The quality of the onions is therefore not great.
Too expensive
In addition, transport costs have increased enormously compared to last season. For some destinations, the price of transport has even doubled, local sources report. New Zealand onions are therefore very expensive for European customers. And Europe is particularly interested in large onions, which are less available this season. European traders and supermarkets therefore choose to continue with their own stock for as long as possible.
Exports to Europe are currently running at almost 8.000 tons (up to and including the last week of February), approximately 40% behind last year. On the other hand, for New Zealand growers and traders, Indonesia has a good market, especially for the finer grades. This season, 27 tons have been shipped to Indonesia until February 5.600. A year earlier that was 1.500 tons.