The high temperatures and hailstorms recorded in July in the area of Castile-La Mancha have taken a toll on the onion production. "We had expected to harvest between 60,000 and 70,000 kilos, but we have obtained just 40,000, and instead of calibre 90, we have harvested calibres 50, 60 or 70," explains Pablo Delgado, of Quality Onions.
This will have an impact on prices, which are currently higher than in the previous season. "Last year, the 25 kilo bag was sold for 5 Euro. This year, the price stands at 8 Euro and we expect it to reach up to 10 Euro," added Delgado.
We are talking about what markets like the UK or Germany know as Spanish Onions, which is what they demand, rather than brands of individual companies. It is an onion with a characteristic mahogany or ochre colour, of great size, especially intended for the food service industry. "They are usually marketed for the manufacture of onion rings, dice, etc.," explains Delgado, because a large volume can be obtained from fewer onions.
Spanish onions are characterised by having fewer layers and being more delicate for mechanization. At the other end is the Netherlands, the biggest onion producer. "In addition to the logistics, Spain has yet to improve the onion storage system compared to the Netherlands. One of the biggest problems comes when onions are harvested during wet weather. They treat them with forced air and never suffer any problems with moisture. They handle the whole conservation issue very well."
For more information:
Pablo Delgado
Quality Onions
Tel.: +34 659744374