The onion harvest in Tasmania has just started and quality is looking good.
“It is going to be a tricky season,” said Sam Vasala from Sai World. “Europe has been slow to respond, but we have our orders with retailers and good customers. There is also the issue with the Suez Canal, we are not concerned about the additional transit time around the Cape of Good Hope on a quality level as our onions can be stored for 8-10 months, but Europe has a defined timeline and also there will be additional costs.”
Sam expects a huge demand from Asia as the Dutch and Spanish have shipped less there and they are unlikely to ship more at this point in the season with the increased shipping time. “The prices in Asia are ridiculous. Most Asia countries have in doubled or tripled their orders. India has also banned exports making the shortage worse.”
Sam said that despite the huge demand in Asia they will look after their main customers first as the business is built on long-term relationships.
“If we do take on new customers this year, we will be looking for long-term business and not just selling to the highest bidder, we would rather have regular customers.”
For more information:
Sam Vasala
Sai World Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 5641 2217
Mob: +61470406579
Email: [email protected]
www.saiworld.com.au