"Nobody can complain about the current onion market - prices have been high due to the lack of product. Quality is excellent, while volumes are low," explains a producer and trader from Emilia-Romagna.
In the Netherlands, just as in Germany, temperatures are high and it hasn't been raining for weeks. Because of this quantities are low and prices are increasing. "It's the first time that Dutch golden onion prices start at 30-32 eurocents per kg. Generally the price is half that and penalises the Italian produce. This year, however, things for Italy are going well."
Prices will be high also for regional varieties such as Borettana, although they're still being harvested and sales haven't started yet.
The entrepreneur explains that it's not easy to find labour to process onions. " Working conditions are not the best as it's hot, onions obviously smell, and the hours are long. Still, people are unemployed and we can't find workers."
"I've sold Maggiolina onions at a high price, mostly abroad and especially to France, Germany and Belgium. Grades are 30/35 mm max and it's earlier than Borettana."