India remains a key onion supplier for the UAE, but this year posed distinct challenges, says Rajendra Kumar Pattnaik, Director of UAE-based fresh produce importer Jaguar Greens Foodstuff Trading LLC. "Over the past month, the UAE onion market has seen a sharp decline due to an excessive supply of Garwa onions from India. This is the final stretch for the Garwa crop, and many traders are clearing their stocks that were stored months earlier. The coming months will see the new red onion crop entering the market as demand for Garwa naturally fades."
According to Pattnaik, "The UAE has long relied on Indian onions, while this origin remains the benchmark for many buyers." However, he admits that export quotas, duties, and bans from India have disrupted supply and made Indian origin less dependable in some seasons. "Indian onions are still preferred for their competitive pricing and consumer recognition, but with supply volatility, buyers in the UAE are increasingly careful about checking availability, grading, and delivery timelines."
© Jaguar Greens Foodstuff LLC
Quality and consistency have come under further scrutiny this year. "One of the main issues is that many traders are mixing different grades of material for their own benefit, which affects the overall reputation of Indian onions in the UAE market," Pattnaik says. His team counters this through strict supplier verification, pre-shipment inspections, and close ties with farms.
Jaguar Greens sources Garwa onions from Maharashtra, known for their rich red color, firm texture, and longer shelf life, Pattnaik explains. "Compared to last year, we have maintained steady import volumes despite export restrictions and market fluctuations. Close coordination with trusted farms and suppliers in Maharashtra has been integral to sustaining quality and reliability across all shipments."
The pricing story this year contrasts sharply with 2024. "In April 2025, average prices rose by 12.5% over the previous year, but from May onward, there has been a sharp decline, with prices in September showing a drop of over 60%," highlights Pattnaik, citing "a fall from ₹0.5 per kg in September 2024 to USD 0.2 per kg in 2025. This price pressure stems from both oversupply and quality inconsistencies."
© Jaguar Greens Foodstuff LLC
Looking ahead, Pattnaik anticipates limited supply and smaller sizes of Garwa onions as the season transitions, which may keep prices slightly firm. "However, if other origins like Egypt or Turkey continue to offer competitive rates, overall market prices could stay under control." On the other hand, Jaguar Greens will source the Red Onion variety starting in November to diversify sourcing. "We are keen to assess how red onions will perform in the UAE market, especially when Garwa supply tightens," Pattnaik adds.
As Pattnaik sums it up, "Frauds and scams have damaged confidence in the onion trade. Tightening payment security and updating trade agreements with India are necessary to protect all stakeholders, stabilize supply, improve quality, and infuse more market confidence."
For more information:
© Jaguar Greens Foodstuff LLC
Rajendra Kumar Pattnaik
Jaguar Greens Foodstuff Trading LLC
Tel: +971 588 764 624
Email: [email protected]
