Muslims have been observing Ramadan for a couple of weeks now. Ramadan has at its centre an important role for food, and for onions in particular. For the export company FA International, Ramadan is of great importance for the onion market. Onions are a staple ingredient for dishes that are related to this religious month.
“The market for onions right now is very good. Demand is good, prices are stable and both quality and yield are great,” says Aslam Pakhali of FA International. “We have no lack of supply during Ramadan.” The red onions that FA International supplies are mainly destined for the local market, the Gulf market and for surrounding countries like Afghanistan. They are currently being sold for $160 FOB at the port of Karachi.
According to Pakhali, the current onion season is an improvement over the one from last year. “There was enough water in the valley regions, which is where we grow our onions. Due to the favorable weather circumstances, our onions have great color and nice bulb sizes. The current season should last until August, while a new season will start in November or December.”
FA International sent its first batches for export to Malaysia. Pakhali mentions that his company was lucky in its timing. “There was a strike at the port. We managed to send our container before the strike began.” Other than Malaysia, other markets in South East Asia are Singapore and Sri Lanka.
When prices are low enough, the company is able to compete with India. However, in this regard, the current market situation doesn’t favor Pakistani onions. “As we can’t compete on price, we need to compete through quality.”
“The market for onions right now is very good. Demand is good, prices are stable and both quality and yield are great,” says Aslam Pakhali of FA International. “We have no lack of supply during Ramadan.” The red onions that FA International supplies are mainly destined for the local market, the Gulf market and for surrounding countries like Afghanistan. They are currently being sold for $160 FOB at the port of Karachi.
According to Pakhali, the current onion season is an improvement over the one from last year. “There was enough water in the valley regions, which is where we grow our onions. Due to the favorable weather circumstances, our onions have great color and nice bulb sizes. The current season should last until August, while a new season will start in November or December.”
FA International sent its first batches for export to Malaysia. Pakhali mentions that his company was lucky in its timing. “There was a strike at the port. We managed to send our container before the strike began.” Other than Malaysia, other markets in South East Asia are Singapore and Sri Lanka.
When prices are low enough, the company is able to compete with India. However, in this regard, the current market situation doesn’t favor Pakistani onions. “As we can’t compete on price, we need to compete through quality.”
For more information:
Aslam Pakhali
FA INternational
Tel: 0092 213 2629051 & 52
Email: pakhalifruits@gmail.com