Wim Waterman has provided an update on the Waterman Onions site. He shares his expectations of the export opportunities in the second half of the Dutch onion season. "As I've mentioned before, the quality is variable," he writes.
Still, Wim is happy with the harvest conditions. "The onions, at least, have a nice color. The storage quality is still concerning, though. So, you'll need to do germination tests." Wim recommends getting advice from various specialists.
“This season, unlike the previous ones, Dutch onions have had a slight advantage since late August." The season started early, and prices rose. According to Waterman, that logically led to it declining sooner too.
"The Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics published figures. These clearly indicate that there are more onions available than initially estimated. The mood that followed that publication and the European harvest estimate figures are now showing their effect - prices are under pressure."
That initial lead is now slowly shrinking. But Wim still sees plenty of opportunities. "We were able to process and export the extra volume. That's because we could harvest earlier than usual. There are still enough export destinations, prices are just lower."
Export figures could have been much higher this year. But that has nothing to do with the onions, writes Wim. "Exports are strongly influenced by logistical hurdles. If things had gone right logistically, there could have been unlimited exports."
Europe’s export chances
The first half of the season is almost over. That relied on overseas exports. In the season's second half, sales in Europe are, thus, going to play a bigger role. "The low prices are advantageous; we can now compete within Europe," Wim writes.
"Theoretically, that means more onions could go to Eastern Europe. Then there'd be more room in the rest of Europe to sell the larger sizes. The new crops there are responding to that. These can be sent to Western Europe. This puts pressure on Dutch sales in Europe."
“And, of course, COVID-19 regulations could affect the second half of the season. Those might impede the hospitality and food service industries," writes Wim.
Source: Waterman Onions
For more information:
Wim Waterman
Waterman Onions
12 Hannie Schaftweg
8304 AR, Emmeloord, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 527 617 496
Email: wim@waterman-onions.nl
Website: www.waterman-onions.nl