The 2016 onion season has started but there are still some difficulties. "Prices were good in the beginning, then the early produce from Emilia-Romagna and Veneto became available," explains Claudio Brintazzoli, director of CESAC, a cooperative gathering 150 onion producers cultivating 500 hectares in total.
Despite the fact that both quality and grades are of a medium-high level, "prices do not cover production costs. We are talking about 8-10 cents per kg for early golden onions whereas, to be profitable, it should be 15 cents/kg with yields above 50 tons per hectare. White onions are starting to become available now and we hope we can pay producers 15 cents per kg."
Onion processing at Cesac.
There are various reasons behind this situation. Demand is slightly lower than last year and a wider area was dedicated to the cultivation of onions. "There has been a 7-8 and, in some cases, even 10% increase in planting, but the real problem is the yields per hectare. The mild winter temperatures and rainy spring led to an increase in yields. Early varieties used to produce 40 tons per hectare on average, but we have reached 64-65 tons/ha this year."
Cesac grows early golden onions, which it sows in autumn on 52 of its 500 hectares. Harvesting started around May 20th and ended on June 10th. 3,300 tons of onions were harvested, i.e. 63.5 tons/ha.
Golden onions about to be processed.
In addition to the low prices, there is another element that is worrying producers - "450 hectares that were sown in spring are now ready because temperatures are shortening ripening times. Some varieties are reaching maturity, which would normally be ready in ten days' time."
Therefore, in addition to the already abundant volumes of early onions, producers may have to also deal with spring-cycle onions.
Onion processing at Cesac.
Of course there is a certain pressure to try and empty warehouses as soon as possible, so people are trying to find European markets looking for golden onions, although they are almost ready for their own produce
Concerning packaging, "we are working a lot with tubular nets, which hold 3/4 bulbs (500 grams). With respect to traditional nets holding up to 7 bulbs, this format is more popular with smaller families."
5 or 10 kg sacks are becoming available only to wholesale markets. The produce is then repackaged or sold to retailers and street vendors. The most innovative sector for onions is the fresh-cut sector. "We are already supplying the catering industry but we are aiming at working with retailers too."
Cipolla di Medicina tubular nets.
Over half of Cesac's production is commercialised under the Cipolle di Medicina brand. "We are very satisfied with this brand and we are focusing on high-quality products so that it can grow even more."
Contacts:
Cooperativa CESAC sca
Via Canale, 1300
Medicina (BO) - Italia
Tel.: (+39) 051 851 717
Fax: (+39) 051 852 340
Web: www.cesacsca.it