In the last newsletter of 2022, Wim Waterman and Rudie Ensing discuss the rapidly changing market developments in the global onion market. Rudie has been employed by Waterman Onions for 5 years as a salesman on the European market and also works at BioQrops as a buyer and seller of organic onions and vegetables.

“This has been an unleashed season so far.” Wim continues: “The 2022 onion season cannot be compared to previous years. It is unique to see that we have the same problems all over Europe.” Nevertheless, Rudie is moderately optimistic about the onion market until the new year. “We have already had connections with several European countries here and there. Due to the large price increases, we already achieved good sales volumes fairly early in the season.” According to Wim, this is due to the quality and size of the Dutch batches. Sorters can therefore negotiate higher prices and have been able to get the price they were asking in the first months of the sales season. Despite the market instability in the global onion market, the Netherlands has maintained a strong position in the export market.

Recent price explosion

Rudie sees that the grower’s recent price explosion has consequences for the sorters. “Sorters have been forced to increase the bale price in recent weeks, and we have also lost customers (mainly from Eastern Europe) as a result. We are now missing these volumes.” Wim nuances Rudie’s statement by indicating that this is not a bad thing towards the end of the year. “However, the question is: What will the new year bring? Shortages will not arise, but lack due to defects could occur.” Therefore, all lines for importing yellow onions are open. However, Waterman Onions always prefers Dutch onions over other destinations.

Inhibiting effect on the market

There is still speculation about the new year. According to Rudie and Wim, January and February are generally quieter in sales and, according to both gentlemen, whether the markets can and will follow the significant price increases. Rudie: “In Europe, the local markets are not yet empty, and we do not dare to predict how quickly this will be the case.” Wim: “In terms of overseas export, much volume has already been set aside, but the current price increases, in combination with the quality challenges, can have an inhibiting effect on the market.” It can be concluded that the future of the markets is still uncertain, and it will be essential to continue adapting to the changing market conditions to remain competitive in the global onion market.

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