The New Zealand onion harvest was finished on time and the bulk of the seasons exports have been shipped. Planting has started for the new season albeit a bit stop start due to more wet weather.
"The growing season last year was particularly challenging, lack of sunshine and extended wet periods affected yields in the North Island negatively in terms of both size of the onions and quality. The South Island had a very good year in terms of yield per hectare and onion quality," explains Simon Vale from Balle Bros.
The global onion market was very short, this year which had a positive influence on sales.
"Returns have been better this year due to the onion shortage. However production costs have risen considerably, and yields were reduced, so increased returns were required to keep the business sustainable."
New Zealand onions recently gained access to Thailand, but Simon said that unfortunately NZ pricing was too expensive and buyers sourced cheaper onions from China and Australia instead.
The best performing markets for New Zealand onions were Europe, Indonesia and Taiwan.
Exports so far in 2023 (103,000 t) are slightly more than at the same time in 2022 (91,000 t), but considerably less than in 2021 (138,000 t).
For more information:
Simon Vale
Balle Bros. Exports Ltd.
Tel: + 64 9 2370898
Email: simon.vale@ballebros.co.nz
www.ballebros.co.nz