"Onion prices are very good and stocks are expected to last for a month tops, but only thanks to the imports, which make up for the lack of Italian bulbs," explains Giampiero Valdinoci from Futuragri (Cesena), producer and sales operator in the onion and vegetable sector.
Giampiero Valdinoci at Fruit Logistica
"I sow 40 hectares of onions every year and, this year, the harvest was satisfactory. Prices started well and increased over time due to the lack of produce from some countries in northern Europe such as the Netherlands and Germany."
On an Italian level, production was similar to other years, to the advantage of producers. "Prices started well with 25 eurocents/kg for golden and 30 eurocents/kg for red onions. Of course I'm talking about the produce with excellent quality and grades."
Over the past few weeks, Italy has also been importing from France and Austria due to the lack of volumes.The operator explains that onions in Big Bags can cost up to 60 eurocents/kg. "I still have some domestic produce available and the larger grades sell at around 50 eurocents."
As for the next campaign, Valdinoci doesn't believe there will be big differences. "I have talked to a few seed companies and, so far, they have not registered significant increases in seed bookings, but there is still time. As for Futuragri, we will maintain our 40 hectares."
Contacts
Futuragri
Via San Giorgio 1495
47522 Cesena (FC)
Tel.: (+39) 0547.1880527
Email: futuragri@alice.it