New Zealand onions are selling well. So says Gerard Hoekman from Mulder Onions in Kerkrade. However statistics show that volumes have never been this big in the run up to week 18 and there are few supplies on the market. "The big difference to the same period last year, is that everything is being sold quickly," said the importer.
He explains that the good sales are partly due to the Dutch onion becoming more expensive, while quality, in many cases, left a lot to be desired. "I expect that the German market will also swap over to New Zealand onions. We have also sold them to Sweden which is unusual for the time of year."
There is not a lot of competition from other imported onions. "There are some Tasmanian onions but not enough to keep up with demand. Chile have also only produced a few onions and there is nothing from Argentina. They make more money locally and that is a more attractive proposition rather than risking the quality issues when sent over from Europe. South African onions are still exported to Spain but it is actually too late for that. It should have started in March and only for a brief period," concluded Gerard.