The Dutch onion export situation has not changed much in recent weeks. "All countries, except Senegal, are continuing in roughly the same way. That market's being oversupplied at the start of their season," says William Nannes of J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders.
"Senegal's market has Egyptian, Moroccan and Dutch onions. The other origins' onions are cheaper, so Dutch onions exports to Senegal have stopped. The big question is how long the other countries can continue supplying onions. I expect demand for Dutch onions to pick up again towards the end of the year."
Bale prices presently show minimal movement. "Yet, I hear growers are getting €0.35 for good batches for December. If you follow through on that, the current bale price isn't good enough; a few more cents need to be added. But can sales achieve that? Demand will be the determining factor," notes the exporter. He says pink Crimsun onions exports are going well. "These have broad sales and are marketed to retailers in regions like Africa, the Dominican Republic, and Europe."
"Quality-wise, it's a fair to good season. The inferior onions find their way to Poland. Some batches have fusarium, but I don't think the average quality is too bad," explains William. "What worries me more - especially for the packers - is how the export volumes relate to sorting capacity. "
Let's assume the Netherlands has a million tons of onions to export and those exports reach 30 tons per week. That means, soon, there will be only 11,000 tons per week left to process, so most of the sorting capacity isn't being utilized. I'm therefore very curious about the rest of Europe's harvest forecasts that will be presented next week at the Euronion Congress," William concludes.
For more information:
William Nannes
J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders
Tel: +31 (0) 226 396 408
Email: wnannes@beemsterboer.nl
Website: www.beemsterboer.nl