Onion production is a "very solid" industry in Senegal, says Mr. Giorgio Guidi, Manager of the producer Guidi Senegal, which grows several varieties of onions and other crops for different destinations.
The Italian producer based in Senegal explains: "We grow sweet onions for the Spanish market, for which we have a very good demand and a fair price. We also produce pink onions destined for the Dutch market. Exports take place in March and April, and we store the rest of our production for late sale on the local market. There is a large consumption of onions on the domestic market in Senegal and throughout West Africa."
On his choice of Senegal for the installation of his farm, Mr. Gudi explains: "We position ourselves on the high-end segments of the market. We chose to come to Senegal for the qualitative characteristics of its soils, the availability of excellent farms, and for its hot and dry climate that gives our products attributes of quality and durability, and this is rewarding for our work."
The producer also grows an average of 2,000 tons of green beans, of which 80% of the volume is made up of fine calibers, destined for Italy, and 20% of the Boby variety destined for the Nordic countries.
Finally, Guidi Senegal produces watermelons and melons: "we're collaborating with a group of Spanish producers on this segment. They're very professional and experienced. All our production of watermelons and melons is of high quality and is mainly destined for supermarket distribution."
However, Mr. Guidi says he is faced with "demand that is not always in line with increases in production costs, which have risen 28-30% since the pandemic, and which customers refuse to see," and he warns: "This will force us to rethink our programs."
The producer adds: "We are penalized by the UE policies that seek to flatten the quality in order to maintain cheap prices for the consumer. This policy is often hidden behind the excuse of low purchasing power. But it ignores that quality, good taste, and health are worth more than a few cents."
And to conclude: "I do not want to be controversial, but it is the producers who've suffered a lot in recent years, being, as everyone knows, the weakest link in the chain."
For more information:
Mr. Giorgio Guidi
Guidi Senegal
Tel: +221 78 018 55 72
Email: guidi.senegal@gmail.com