In Tasmania, Premium Fresh are still packing the last of this season’s onions, with around 6-8 weeks to go. These onions are nearly all destined for the domestic market.
Generally, the export was good this season according to Jim Ertler, “We did have a few issues due to the wet, damp season, but the market was reasonable. In Europe the initial panic buying buoyed onion sales but then sales dropped as lock down continued, this was the same at home in the Australian market.
“The Asian market was a bit flat this season and they have been looking more for the Dutch onions in the last 4-5 weeks, but throughout it was flatter that normal, possibly also affected by the lockdowns and buyers having less confidence. We were affected a little by congestion at the ports which is troublesome when you have a fresh product.”
On the domestic side, the continued lock down in Victoria is affecting the onion sales, not just on the food service side but also in retail. Retail practices have changes as people can only go a maximum of 5kms to get shopping.
Premium Fresh are now planting the new season onions and the weather has been kind with dry winter and Jim reckons they will have everything in on time which is a promising start to the coming season.
“That said we are still unsure about next season, but nothing is certain at the moment.”
For more information:
Jim Ertler
Premium Fresh Tasmania
Tel: +61 3649 888 88
Email: jim.ertler@premiumfresh.com.au
www.premiumfresh.com.au