The onion market is currently stable. Prices should be going up, but that's not yet the case. "The growers do want to increase prices a bit, but the market isn't going along with that," says Jozef Cool of Jozef & Roger Cool from Dendermonde. "I think that's because in March, some contracts were made at an average of 10 cents. The growers with free trade want to make roughly the same prices. But the market is not yet ready for it, because there is too much, and sales are difficult."
Prices hugely decreased
Jozef & Roger Cool are on the wholesale market in Charleroi (Marcinelle). "We can make a bit more there, but it's more difficult for exporters, I think." He is located close to France. "That's a big advantage. That way, French supermarkets also buy from us." Jozef sees big differences with the past. "Of course now there are still good times, but price-wise things have decreased enormously. I've got an invoice here from my father, from 1977. Back then, the onions were sold for 40 cents. If we want to ask 20 cents now, it's too expensive. That isn't right. 1977 was an exceptional year of course, but the difference is far too big."
Not growing too much
Everyone in the onion trade is having a difficult time now, he says. "Many also suffer from that whole Russia thing. Companies shouldn't grow more for that reason, because then it'll go wrong. We've also seen that with carrots. It used to be that they would construct cold stores to keep carrots in, but now they're planting carrots to fill up the cold stores."
Saving
He emphasizes that you can keep up if you cut costs. "Saving on everything is the motto. You'll have to automate and produce more with fewer people. The fun is gone nowadays. If the grower makes something, as well as myself and the seller, that's good, but often that isn't the case. Getting your money is also more difficult. Many want a longer payment period. In addition, more and more is being grown in Belgium, something that isn't always taken into account. Even Dutch growers are moving here. They particularly go for Wallonia, because of the pristine loam soil. Reducing the Dutch acreage could help." Jozef always remembers a saying from his father. "Things have to get bad sometimes, so you can recognise when things are going well. In the good times, you have to build up your stocks."
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