Uienpoort is a relatively new Dutch onion trading company. Partners Willy Dickmann and Wilco Boeve founded it. They built new premises in 2018 at the Vischpoort in Dronten, a high-visibility location on the main road between the A6 and the A50.
Red onions are this onion trading and sorting company's true specialty. "About 70% of our onion business is focused on those," says Wilco. According to him, this year's red onion market is comparable to that of yellow onions. "Large red onions are quite pricey. The medium-sized ones are similarly priced to yellow onions."
After a promising start, onion exports are currently calming down. "Growers are holding on to their stored onions. However, the high prices have slowed exports down considerably. I have no idea what sales will look like soon, although I expect export prices to fall rather than rising," continues Wilco.
Uienpoort sources most of its onions from growers in the area. "We have several partner growers, and we're presently well-stocked. Still, this season's yields have varied significantly. Some growers had good yields; others, barely any. Plus, fusarium hit this area harder than in other years. The better batches come from further afield," Wilco explains.
Uienpoort does not export but primarily supplies retailers, wholesalers, packing companies, industrial peelers, and exporters. "Annually, we process an average of 50,000 tons of onions. At this time of year, we sort and pack mainly for export; from December/January, we switch more to retail sales." Wilco does not rule out optical sorting in the future. "But not soon; it's quite an investment," he concludes.
For more information:
Uienpoort
2 Vischpoort
8253 TD, Dronten, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 321 350 203
Mob: +31 (0) 618 879 042
Email: info@uienpoort.nl
Website: www.uienpoort.nl