Local onion farmers have shown a noticeable increase in their willingness to sell in recent weeks. "Everyone has now understood that prices will not rise significantly anymore," says Hendrik Hachmann from Central German Trading Desk. Overall, the quality of table onions has been quite consistent, with a supply volume that meets demand. Meanwhile, we are approaching the start of the overseas campaign. "Around March 12, we expect the first shipments from New Zealand. Despite the problems in the Suez Canal and the longer transit times, this is still relatively early."
New Zealand yellow onions shortly after harvesting.
Record yields in New Zealand and Australia
Initial forecasts indicate that this year, both New Zealand and Australia will have abundant onion yields. In Australia, yields of 70 to 100 tons per hectare for yellow onions are reported, Hachmann describes. However, the season's start in the packaging area is marked by the so-called early onions from South Africa beginning in early March. "This product is seasonally available a bit earlier compared to the goods from New Zealand and Australia and is fully traded especially in March & April. Afterward, most retail chains switch to New Zealand or Australian products, although there are retail customers who offer both origins in parallel." In general, a price decrease compared to last year should be expected: "We certainly won't achieve the high prices of last year."
In addition to yellow onions, Central German Trading Desk GmbH also focuses on the import and distribution of red onions. Domestic stock for the free market is already sold out, now only quantities for retail programs are available, Hachmann outlines. In addition to domestic red onions, the first Australian products are expected by the end of April, followed by Egyptian red onions in mid-May. "Smaller red onions in the 40-60 size were somewhat rarer this year, while the larger sizes 70+ were more available than usual. The latter size is particularly popular in wholesale."
Onion harvesting in Pukekohe on New Zealand's North Island.
To complement its assortment, the company also imports yellow and red onions from neighboring Denmark on a seasonal basis as needed. "We act not only as an intermediary for the Swiss market but also supply goods to German retail and wholesale customers." The product range of the trading desk is rounded off by Chilean products. This year, there have been delays of up to four weeks in planting in the South American country, informs Hachmann. "The tone from our supplier was recently that the goods will now arrive about two weeks later than usual, around the end of April."
Onion production on the island of Tasmania.
Declining market for overseas onions
Founded in 2021, Central German Trading Desk GmbH is part of the Central German Onion Desk based in Calbe (Saxony-Anhalt) and is dedicated to the procurement and marketing of all onion imports. "Thanks to sophisticated long-term storage, the marketing window for European onions has been progressively extended over the years. Except for Chile, where we observe a relatively stable development, the market for overseas onions is rather declining. For example, nowadays, about 20,000 tons less merchandise is sourced from New Zealand than ten years ago. This is not only due to the fact that improved storage techniques have made domestic goods available longer, but also because attractive sales markets such as Southeast Asia have been targeted. Nevertheless, Europe remains an important sales region," concludes Hachmann.
Tasmanian onions in January
Images: Central German Trading Desk GmbH
For more information:
Hendrik Hachmann
Central German Trading Desk GmbH
Brumbyer Weg 34-40
D-39240 Calbe/Saale
T: +49 39291 46 53 0
info@handelskontorgmbh.de
www.zwiebelkontor.de