Storage onion growers have begun harvesting and turning in a plentiful national crop. In all, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and New York are harvesting and Wisconsin and Michigan will begin imminently. "Mexico is finished and there are still some players in California that will have onions for a while," says John Harris of Paradigm Fresh, adding that California has had a bumper crop this season. "Canada also has a good crop of onions without any weather events."
Generally, speaking, it was a relatively normal transition from existing storage crop onions to new crop storage onions. Harvesting will go until approximately mid-October in all the growing areas.
Altogether, the multiple growing areas are providing an abundance of good quality onions with states reporting an average to better-than-average crop going into the storage onion season. Additionally, imports are expected from Peru, Egypt and the Netherlands in 2025-2026, though the U.S. industry is expected to continue exporting onions to Mexico and Asia.
© Paradigm Fresh
Demand for onions steady
In turn, this is causing an imbalance between supply and demand. "Demand is fine and has been good. All summer long it's been steady and what was expected. There are just more onions than what we need," says Harris.
This is making the market low compared to seasonal averages. "It appears it will likely stay that way. The white onion market is in an okay spot. It has a chance to become a bit better as we go towards the end of the year and the beginning of the next year," says Harris, noting that the yellow onion market will likely continue to stay low. The red onion market is also on the softer side. "There will be contract and buying opportunities for anyone who wants them."
Looking ahead, a weather event in Mexico or a drop in crossings into the U.S. next spring could improve the onion market.
For more information:
John Harris
Paradigm Fresh
Tel: +1 (970) 775.2049
[email protected]
www.paradigmfresh.com
