"It's been a controversial year," says Wim Waterman of Waterman Onions in his onion market update. "Demand is still lagging for this time of year. That's especially evident in the Asian market. In previous years, we could sell large volumes to countries like the Philippines."
"Now, Dutch onions prices are too firm to compete with Chinese onions. Everything this year proves Dutch onions' role in the global market: the gap filler. As long as local harvests are sufficient, Dutch export products remain too expensive to fill the gaps. All eyes are, therefore, on the second half of the season."
Pressure expected in Europe
In previous years, it only got hectic early in the new year. However, Michel Veltman - who has worked at Waterman Onions for almost three years as a sales representative on the Western and Eastern European markets - expects it to become busier earlier. That is due to higher demand, mainly from Southern and Eastern Europe. "These regions have the most yield problems," he says.
The resulting demand will mostly be for large and colored onions. "There are also far fewer onions in Ukraine because of the ongoing war in the farming regions. Western Europe will have to make up those missing volumes. Particularly Poland can currently meet that demand, but in the longer term, that may offer opportunities for Dutch onions."
Positive market developments
Wim, too, is optimistic about the present market developments. "What we're doing less in volumes now, we'll soon be able to sell more within Europe." Still, he remains cautious about predictions concerning the upcoming months. "We've had an impactful growing season, which could have major consequences for stored onions."
"Their quality, which declines in storage, is already questionable." And, of course, harvest estimates within Europe are not yet known. There are generally still many questions. "The new year will show how the harvests will go in the southern hemisphere. The first harvests are already expected in December," Wim concludes.
For more information:
Wim Waterman
Waterman Onions
12 Hannie Schaftweg
8304 AR, Emmeloord, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 527 617 496
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waterman-onions.nl
