Dutch onion exports were slightly slower in week 41 than in the previous two weeks. In the first full week of October, 35.468 tons were shipped across the border, according to figures from KCB and GroentenFruit Huis.
Most destinations saw slightly less demand than at the end of September. Those were weeks with over 40.000 tons. This is highly unusual this early in the season. It's therefore not surprising that exports have to slow down a bit to avoid overwhelming the distribution channels in the countries concerned.
Export figures for fifteen weeks of this season are now available. A total of almost 450.000 tons were exported during that period. Experience from previous years shows that, if exports continue to run smoothly, another 400.000 tons of onions can be exported in the ten weeks leading up to Christmas.
But, it must be emphasized, there must be no disruption. If there's a week of 30.000 tons, the remaining weeks already require well over 40.000 tons to be delivered. Last season, there were four weeks with over 40.000 tons. There was also one week of 30.000 tons in mid-October. This was offset by one week of over 45.000 tons and one week of 44.000 tons.
This year, we've already had four weeks of over 40.000 tons. Partly because of this, the lead compared to last year is already 90.000 tons. This indicates that Dutch exporters' capacity is in good shape. Now it's crucial that sales continue at an extremely high level.
Senegal's largest customer
As expected, Senegal is currently the largest buyer of Dutch onions, with a total of 94.000 tons. This quantity is 34.000 tons higher than last year during the same period. At the end of last season, Senegal was the largest customer, with a total of over 181.000 tons.
Last year, Ivory Coast barely outpaced Senegal with 180.000 tons. This year, sales to Ivory Coast have already surpassed 80.000 tons after just fifteen weeks. This gives exports to this West African country an 18.500-ton lead compared to the same period last year.
Mali is also making significant progress. With over 26.000 tons, sales to that country have doubled compared to last year's exports. Significant increases have also been seen in exports to Great Britain, Guinea, Mauritania, the Philippines, Gambia, Honduras, and Sierra Leone.