On the potato and onion market, imports from the Mediterranean region and overseas now traditionally complete the range. "We have been offering Cypriot potatoes since the turn of the year, and the first Italian potatoes and New Zealand onions are gradually arriving on the market as of this week. All in all, we can look back on a good winter in which we were able to continuously sell through well," says Marco Sion, potato wholesaler at the Cologne wholesale market.
Record high prices are also shaping events in the potato and onion sector, Sion observes. "I've been in the business for a long time and I can't remember when we've had such price levels for Spanish onions or Dutch butcher's onions. I'm also curious to what extent the flooding that recently occurred in the North Island of New Zealand will affect export volumes in onions." The wholesaler does not have any concrete information regarding volume availability at this time.
Owner Marco Sion at FreshPlaza's 2019 wholesale market visit.
Meanwhile, the Cypriot potato business has taken off particularly well, Sion continues. "Demand is steadily increasing, especially as the first German early asparagus is now hitting the market. We are getting there and can currently serve everyone, but volumes are still quite limited. Starting in week 12, the new spring crop is expected to hit the market, after which we will be able to offer other varieties and calibers in addition to Annabelle in volumes relevant to the market." Parallel to the imported potatoes, there is also plenty of domestic stock available, he said. "With temperatures up to 10-12 degrees, there are usually no problems. But if it gets warmer, it could become critical and the goods will also start to germinate at some point."
Rounding out the seasonal offerings of the wholesale market operation is fresh garlic. "We are now gradually starting the Egyptian season and expect larger shipments starting next week. We also notice that the green, fresh garlic has rapidly gained in importance in recent years. It is also noticeable that more and more source countries - whether Egypt, the Netherlands or Argentina - are specializing in fresh garlic, which is why we can now offer the product almost year-round," Sion concludes.
The stands of the Cologne-based company. The potato wholesaler has been based at the local wholesale market for many years.
For more information:
Marco Sion
Kartoffel Sion e.K.
Großmarkt Köln
T +49 221 387986
info@kartoffel-sion.de
kartoffel-sion-inh-marco-sion-ek.business.site