After high expectations, the onion market is a bit slow at the moment, according to Sam Vasala from Sai World.
Sam exports Tasmanian onions to markets around the world under the Perfecta brand. "The size and quality of our onions is very good, as expected, and the storage capabilities are great. We still have around two months of harvest to go.
"The market was looking very promising, but it seems that the Dutch traders have found onions late in their season and have released them into the European and UK markets at a low price. This won't affect the supermarket contracts as they always want new-season onions, but traders are a bit more wary of paying higher prices, even if the quality is better."
Asian markets
"In Asia the Malaysian market is starting to pick up, but Indonesia has not yet released the quota for Australian onions, which means 120 containers are on hold for that market," said Sam.
"New Zealand onions are also on the Asian markets just now, with lower prices. We do expect the Asian markets to pick up in about a month when all the old European stock is sold. Mainland Australia have also had good volumes this season, but again once they done in Asia it will improve. We are very positive about the coming months and are lucky that our onions have such good storage capabilities, allowing us to have good quality on arrival despite the longer shipping times."
For more information:
Sam Vasala
Sai World Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 5641 2217
Mob: +61470406579
Email: sam@saiworld.com.au
www.saiworld.com.au