In 2010, Hans van Kemenade, together with Pierre Sweep, took over the onion peeling company Jakova from Jan Koos Valstar. The company has been active in the market since 1948. After a few ventures into other sectors, including vegetable packs, the peeled onion activities were revived five years ago in collaboration with Erik Mooij. "Peeled onions require full attention. With Erik visiting Polish peeling mills on-site, we can ensure the quality of both peeled yellow and red onions," says Hans. "The differences between peeling mills in Poland are significant. A large portion of onions is still peeled by hand, but an increasing number of mills are adopting semi-automated processes. We currently collaborate with six Polish peeling mills, all fully certified according to Western European standards."
One development in Poland is the growing use of machines for handling field crop onions. "Their process is essentially the reverse of how we do it in Western Europe. First, the onions are cut, then the air is blown off, and only afterward are the tops and roots removed," Hans explains. "For Polish peelers, this method has been a game-changer, effectively doubling their capacity."
Jakova sources onions for industrial processing primarily from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, supplemented by Spanish onions. "We purchase onions directly from growers and through commission agents, working both on a day-trade basis and through contracts. While onion processors in the Netherlands have increasingly opted for optical sorting, we prefer to buy onions directly from the source," Hans explains. "Experience has shown that it is better for us to work with a batch of onions that are optimal in color, rather than dealing with waste from packing stations." In recent years, when onion prices were high, some Chinese onions were also offered for processing in Western Europe, but Hans believes this is not a viable long-term option. "The cost price is simply too high."
25 kg to big bags
Jakova supplies processors throughout Western Europe, excluding the UK. Freshly peeled onions are prepared daily for transport, packaged according to customer requirements in 25-kilo bags or 1,000-kilo big bags, and delivered in refrigerated trucks. "We operate in both the frozen and fresh segments, focusing exclusively on yellow and red peeled onions. In the past, we also processed shallots, but that is a highly specialized market. We can supply organic peeled onions as well, though demand is relatively low. However, if there is a need, we can provide them," Hans adds.
Over the years, Van Kemenade has observed modernization among Polish onion processors. "Automation is becoming essential due to rising minimum wages. Additionally, we are surprised every year to see new peeling companies emerging—often started by former supervisors from peeling plants who branch out on their own. At the same time, there is also a wave of consolidation, with smaller peeling companies either shutting down or integrating into larger onion peeling businesses."
Having Dutch onions peeled in Poland and then transported back to the Netherlands may not seem like the most efficient process at first glance. However, Van Kemenade insists it remains the most cost-effective supply chain. "Last year, I recalculated the costs of moving peeling operations to the Netherlands. Even though costs in Poland are rising significantly, it is still not financially viable to relocate. That said, we have optimized our transport network, which is a key factor. By operating in different regions, we can keep transport routes short and efficient."
For more information:
Hans van Kemenade
Jakova
De Langeweg 9a
4762 RA Zevenbergen
Hans +31 653975307
[email protected]
www.jakova.nl
