It is not easy to follow what is going on in the onion market. The mood among traders improves after a few weaker weeks. However, this does not immediately lead to more trade. Sorters still have some work to do that is heavy on the stomach.
Of the regional stock exchanges, only Emmeloord was listed this week. The average price remained the same, but the comment 'few transactions' was added. Of course, there are not that many free onions anymore, so it is not surprising that there are few transactions. There is a discrepancy between what sorters say and do and what is for sale on the market and where trade is increasing. The trade in sorted onions is running a little more smoothly and that strengthens confidence among sorters. Players who are short on stock are definitely in the market, but only for onions for direct delivery. Only a few dare to build positions. In that respect, the €1 has frightened several traders and sorters. Let's first see whether we can limit the damage from the previous buying wave, some players argue.
Differences in supply and demand
But buying onions in the current market is not that easy. Growers with good onions in the shed who said no to €1 a month ago are now not saying yes to €0,70, which is pretty much the real price if you look at sales. What strategy speculators are pursuing and how many onions they have left is another major uncertain factor. What does come in supply are the onions that are showing signs of wear. It really depends on the type of customer or whether the sorter can cope with slightly lower quality. And what various traders and sorters warn about is germs. That's not a problem now, but if the mercury really rises next week it wouldn't be the first time that sprouting onions suddenly cause a surprise. What can also be said to be remarkable is that you don't hear much about an onion shortage at the moment. Several year-round sorters have their work inventory in good order and some other sorters choose to schedule maintenance for a longer period.
De DCA quotation Bale price of Onions stabilizes this week. The price does not drop any further for the finer sizes and the coarse sizes are even higher. The price range remains very wide, just like last week. Not only between different sorters but also within a company. Are the mediums 45-65 or 50-70, or is the quality slightly better or worse, it only saves a few euros in the bale.