Yields, containers, quality: all factors that contribute to renewed price speculation on the Dutch onion market. Nevertheless, according to Rinus Wisse of Wiscomex, you need a little common sense. "Whether you're a grower, packer, or exporter. You simply have to consider your own position. Don't take too many risks based on factors over which you have no influence. Or you can speculate. But that generally loses more money than it makes."
That said, Rinus is prepared to give an update about the current market situation. "This year's onion picture is all over the place, quality-wise. There are quite a few problematic lots. That's a great cause for concern. But that's no different from other years. After all, every year brings different challenges. You don't see them coming beforehand," he says.
"There's generally enough product available. There are more small sizes in particular than last season. Exports are going well, but it's not as busy as last year. Then you had to make sure to get your orders to the packers a week in advance. Now, there's more flexibility. Far fewer onions went to particularly Asia at the beginning of this year's season. Senegal also opened its market three weeks later. I think some countries are simply taking less. That's even though their number on the market is stable."
"Prices are currently low. I don't see that improving any time soon either. It's hard to gauge the situation around container availability. But it seems like the worst shortages are behind us. It's a little easier to book. It looks like things are looking up at the last 18 months of craziness." Still, Rinus says that was not entirely a bad thing. "Last year's container shortages saved the season. I'm convinced of that. If Dutch exporters could send unlimited onions, every market would be completely overloaded in no time. That benefits no one."
Rinus has been a desk exporter at Wiscomex for two years now. And he loves it. "I'm pleased with how things are going. It's nice to set your own course. My goal is to build a truly stable, robust company. Automation is central to that. An efficient IT structure allows you to do a lot of business automatically. And it's not disastrous either if demand dies down for a while. That doesn't spell the end; you're dealing with onions, after all. Trading is never quiet for very long," he concludes.
Rinus Wisse
Wiscomex
Schoorkenszandweg 23b
4431 NC ’s-Gravenpolder
[email protected]
www.wiscomex.com