The supply of Belgian onions has been increasing strongly since last year. Whether the Dutch are taking this into account is this question, according to Jozef Cool of Jozef & Roger Cool from Dendermonde. He says that the prices in Belgium are doing fine this season. "The growers are getting around 20 cents and this is a good price for this period."
Quality loss
Cool indicates that the quality isn't as great. "We are seeing more and more of the effects of the bad spring. That was a good basis for all kinds of fungi. The quality is decreasing quickly and some are sprouting. The price is good, but there are risks in storage. These shouldn't be underestimated." He expects the prices to be inevitably pressured by the decreasing quality. "Parties with a very high quality could pull themselves up at the end of the season."
Colour difference in onions
He wonders whether the Netherlands is aware of the fact that the volumes of Belgian onions are increasing. "Are they taking this into account?" The difference between the Belgian and Dutch onion is mainly in the appearance. "The colour of the Belgian onions is more golden or brown. This is because they are grown on loamy soil. The virgin ground gives a strong solid quality. The experience among Belgian growers is rising and they can increasingly serve the market with 'own' product. A serious threat to the Netherlands."
Jozef sees that the demand in Belgium is mediocre at the moment. "The Easter holidays are part of this, but the terror attacks are also bringing uncertainty. Last week a number of day markets were cancelled and even stopped by the government. Places where there are a lot of people such as supermarkets and others which undoubtedly also feel this negatively. We will have to get through this once again." As far as the new season is concerned, the Southern countries will have to be ready to fill eventual holes in time. "The end of the domestic season will mainly be determined by the quality that is left. The new season could start later, due to the current weather conditions," he concludes.
For more information:
Cool, Roger & Jozef
Jozef Cool
Bevrijdingslaan 116
9200 APPELS-DENDERMONDE
Tel: +32-(0) 5 221 25 05
Fax: +32-(0) 5 222 10 19