According to Eric Moerdijk from onion sorting and packing station, Monie, in Nieuwdorp, the Netherlands, the situation on the onion market can be best described as difficult. “There are not much sales for the large processing capacity we have combined, and prices are significantly under pressure because of that. This is causing a bit of panic. Bale price is around 14 cents, and that is pretty much what the stocks cost, so the trade can easily be called a charity right now.”
It is difficult to assess the continuation of the market, according to Moerdijk. “Demand will recover eventually, but now that prices are decreasing, all markets wait around as much as possible. Some onions are sold, but these volumes are very limited. We mainly pack some for Germany, the UK and overseas, but it is all very limited.”
The trade in red onions is going better, according to Moerdijk. “Those sales are much more stable during the year. Besides, demand from certain channels increases as we go towards the holidays. We are not complaining about the sales of red onions, but it does not yet make up for the other sales.”
Because of the low export figures during the second half of the season in recent years, and keeping the higher European yield figures in mind, you would be forgiven for being scared for the continuation of the season. Yet the current situation also offers perspective: “We have very good quality available. These lower prices makes us interesting to many more markets.”
For more information:
Monie Nieuwdorp
Hertenweg 61
4455TK Nieuwdorp
Tel: +31 (0)113 612 845
eric@monie.nl
www.monie.nl