In the Netherlands, the last onions of the season left Franje Onions last week. And the new onion set season has now begun. "There's sporadic demand," says Jan Franje. "But there are still old as well as new and imported onions available. So, sales aren't easy yet. New onions are still going for around €0.35 now. But those prices should drop quickly. That's once there's more supply on the market."
It's still hard to predict how the season will progress, says the packer. "The seed onion acreages have increased considerably in both the Netherlands and Belgium. That means we'll have plenty to export again. The overall mood seems to be very negative. Everyone sees problems. Whether it's the container shortages or an oversupply of onions. But it's all still uncertain. Last year, the pundits were also predicting all kinds of things. Like the onions would be gone by March. That turned out to be true. There are still lots of onions now."
"Everyone's pessimistic, but no one truly knows what's going to happen. Everyone's just giving their two cents' worth. The onions look good, especially here in [the Dutch province of] Zeeland. We've been struggling for some time. But now, our onions are the best in the country. Hopefully, we can also get good prices. That would be great," concludes Jan.
For more information:
Jan Franje
Franje Onions
10 Gawege
4414 NB, Waarde, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 113 501 658
Email: info@franjeonions.nl
Website: www.franjeonions.nl