In the Netherlands, J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders is fully focused on new onions. "There's undoubtedly still a good batch of old onions somewhere. But the non-European export season is closed for the old crop," says William Nannes. "The entire onion market is in quite a negative mood. That's given the number of onions still out there. Last year, the mood was fantastic in the fall. Things, however, turned out to a little different than expected."
"The more we profess shortages, the harder buyers look for alternatives. Last season proved this, once again. Growers have every right to try to push up prices. But if that increase isn't demand-based, it's incredibly restrictive. Especially if bale prices rise above the roughly €0.25 level. Then things become difficult. We realized we can't be sure the onions are sold until they're actually sold. That didn't happen in January."
"New onion prices are at around €0.30. That will drop even lower this week. So, clients still have somewhat of a wait-and-see attitude. There aren't too many onions available yet. That's because it's been wet, but it's drying out quickly. We hope we pick up exports to Africa and Central America soon. That looks possible, although containers are still scarce for now. But the onions are growing well. We might even set another export record this season. Certainly, with average prices," William concludes.
For more information:
William Nannes
J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders
Tel: +31 (0) 226 396 408
Email: wnannes@beemsterboer.nl
Website: www.beemsterboer.nl