"The onion harvest in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna is almost over. Grower prices are quite decent and almost always take into account the higher cost of cultivation," said Matteo Freddi of the company Freddi Prodotti Ortofrutticoli. "The cost of cultivation is a stretch for everyone. But the growers know where they stand, while for us traders it is an unknown factor, because we store the product for many months."
Matteo Freddi is in contact with traders from all over Europe and knows that exports are also strong, even those to the South American continent. "Some Italian products such as red or sweet, copper-colored onions even reached a grower price of 30 cents per kilo. The golden-colored onions were selling for 15 to 20 cents. This is all in preparation for the demand in the fall and winter, when onions are consumed in large quantities."
Matteo Freddi
Freddi is known Europe-wide for niche products such as the Borettana onion, shallot and ‘pearl onion' which is also exported overseas.
The crop has suffered from drought this year. "On the other hand, it must be said that the final yield can only be calculated after storage. For the Borettana, for example, the net marketable quantity is generally 30-40% less than what was taken from the fields."
In recent weeks, Freddi has also exported onions to Taiwan. "For the 'pearl onions' we select sizes 20-30 and 30-40, both for the countries of Northern Europe and Taiwan. Our product is ready about a month earlier than those of the growers in Northern Europe. Therefore, we have more space in the markets and can export with satisfactory results."
For more information:
Freddi Prodotti Ortofrutticoli S.n.c.
Via Lama, 41
Calerno di S. Ilario d'Enza (RE)
+39 0522 679831
commerciale@cipollefreddi.it
www.cipollefreddi.it