Fast-approaching Christmas makes growers nervous

Until recently, 18 to 20 cents per kilo was readily paid to pry onions from growers. Farmers were stuck with their product, and buyers had to pay increasingly more to secure sufficient onions.

That upward trend now appears to have stalled somewhat, although the Zuid and Middenmeer exchanges still had a high of 19 cents this week. This is no longer the case in Emmeloord. To accommodate a somewhat calmer market, the high of the Emmeloord exchange is being lowered by half a cent to 18 cents.

According to buyers, there are currently plenty of good-quality onions available for 18 cents per kilo. Slightly lower-quality onions are fetching 16 to 17 cents. This puts the market on hold. Many growers are eager to do some business before Christmas. Buyers are seeing this too and are therefore leaning back a bit after the surge in buying in recent weeks, which saw prices rise slightly.

It also points to exports that are somewhat less exuberant than in recent weeks. Senegal and Ivory Coast appear somewhat oversupplied, forcing exporters to slow down a bit. Guinea also appears to be amply supplied, despite the limited availability of containers for transport to that country.

All in all, there are some ripples in exports to West Africa just before Christmas shipments. The date of January 1, 2026, when Senegal officially closes its border to imported onions is also being pointed out. That date is fast approaching.

Senegal has already purchased a large quantity of onions, so there's a chance the country will stick to this cut-off date. On the other hand, Ramadan begins on February 17th in 2026. The fasting month ends on March 18th. At that point, there won't be nearly enough local onions to meet demand. Therefore, it's also likely the country will allow some imported onions in January to prevent a shortage.

Second half of the season
The second half of the season remains a major question mark in terms of sales opportunities. The Netherlands has brought in a large harvest. A significant amount has already been delivered, thanks to exports proceeding at an unprecedented pace thus far. However, this doesn't guarantee a successful second half of the season.

While some transactions are being conducted based on 20 to 22 cents, with delivery scheduled for early next year, the number of transactions is still limited. These transactions are primarily for retail or Indonesian sales. Generally, buyers are not yet eager to commit onions for early next year. They prefer to wait and see what's needed to keep their sorting and packaging lines running.