Potatoes and onions are traditionally sourced from foreign growing areas in the Mediterranean until early summer. At this time of year, however, the first regional products are gradually coming back on the market: German-grown early-seasoned potatoes are already fully available, and onions are unlikely to be long in coming. "The next two weeks the first new-crop onions will arrive in Cologne", expects Marco Sion, owner of Kartoffel Sion e.K., based in the local fresh food center.
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Onions have been sourced from Chile, Egypt, New Zealand and Australia to bridge the new Western European harvest in recent months. "At the moment we are seeing good sales, especially with red onions and shallots. As expected, at the end of this month we will be able to switch to new harvests from France. Long-term potential for the red onions is there, but I expect the next few years no big increase. It will probably stay within the usual limits," says Sion. "In the medium term, however, we are trying to increase sales of onion products."
At the booth of Sion GmbH, the first new-crop onions from Western European fields will soon be available. Currently, yellow and red onions are still dominating. "I have offered white onions in the past, but because of limited demand we have stopped. The white onion is also much more sensitive than other onion crops," explains Sion.
Newly-grown onions eagerly awaited
For the common yellow onions, a significant price difference between the imports from Egypt and New Zealand was observed until about 2 weeks ago. For the wholesale prices for 10kg bag goods from Egypt were between 8-8.50 euros, New Zealand, however, was partly around 14.50 euros / 10kg. At the moment, there is a little less merchandise before it starts soon with a new harvest from the Netherlands and Germany. "The majority of our onions are not sourced from the Rhineland but from other growing areas in Germany. There are now a few large onion producers in our supply area, which is why we have to change to imported goods earlier than other wholesale markets. However, the past crop year (2018/2019) was an exception for everyone involved due to the ongoing drought."
Peeled potatoes as a supplement
In addition to onions, the experienced retailer manages potatoes all year round: In the period between March and the end of June/beginning of July, imports from Italy, Spain and Cyprus are offered. "Overall, business has been good so far. But soon, during the holidays, usually a period of rest occurs, in which we sell less."
In order to be able to offer its loyal customers -mainly restaurateurs and specialist retailers- significant added value, Sion has recently been marketing its specialties not only fresh but also peeled as desired. "We buy these peeled potatoes and onions. It is indeed a by-product, but as an additional service, it is highly valued."
For more information:
Kartoffel Sion, Inh. Marco Sion e.K.
Marktstrasse 10
50968 Köln
Tel.: +49 221 387986
kartoffelsion@aol.com