There are several unusual things currently happening in the global onion world. So says Erik Waterman of Waterman Onions in the Netherlands. "We're on track for a new export record. In week 39, we exported almost 40,000 tons of onions in the Netherlands. And up to then, exports totaled nearly 300,000 tons. We're now working in three shifts, 24 hours a day, six days a week."
Wim and Erik Waterman
"There are the existing big buyers in Africa. But, at the moment, many other countries are wanting to buy too. These include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and different countries in Asia and the Caribbean. They all have a great demand for Dutch onions. At present, there's little competition on the world market. That's due to limited supply and higher prices in China and India. These are our two main competitors. So, they currently have little effect as Dutch opponents."
"Prices are high in various Asian countries," observes the onion exporter. That's partly due to the Indian export stop. Local onion prices in India are around $0.80+/kg. In Bangladesh, they're even heading towards $1.30/kg. Egyptian and Spanish onions are also priced relatively high at about $350-$400/ton."
The last onions are currently coming in off the land in the Netherlands. "Dutch growers' prices are fast approaching €0,20/kg for dry, stored. Last week, sorted onion prices were at €0,22-€0,23/kg at the packing plant, and rising rapidly. I foresee further price increases in the coming months. It's nice to see that the sales of both medium and large-sized onions are well balanced too. That's compared to September. In short, onion exports will go full steam ahead in the coming months," concludes Erik.
For more information:
Erik Waterman
Waterman Onions
12 Hannie Schaftweg
8304 AR, Emmeloord, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 527 617 496
Fax: +31 (0) 527 697 801
Email: erik@waterman-onions.nl
Website: www.waterman-onions.nl