Domestic sales remain steady, but increased Dutch exports pressure Austrian onion producers.
In Week 8 of 2025, Austria’s onion market maintained a stable domestic front, with producers supplying sufficient quantities to meet local demand. However, export activities have encountered difficulties due to intensified competition from Dutch suppliers. This increased rivalry has led to a noticeable decline in international interest for Austrian onions. Consequently, producer prices have remained unchanged from the previous week, with cleaned and sorted onions in crates fetching between €22 and €25 per 100 kg, while lower-quality or smaller-sized batches are priced accordingly.
Domestic Market Stability
Despite school vacations in parts of Austria leading to quieter sales in the domestic food retail sector, the internal market for onions has remained relatively stable. Producers continue to supply adequate quantities, ensuring consistent availability for consumers. However, efforts to implement price increases in the retail sector have been challenging under current market conditions.
Export Market Dynamics
The Austrian onion export sector is currently facing headwinds, primarily due to increased competition from Dutch exporters. The Netherlands has significantly boosted its onion exports, with the market value soaring to $487 million in 2024, a 93% increase from the previous year. This surge has made Dutch onions more competitive in the global market, thereby impacting the demand for Austrian exports. Exporters in the Netherlands have noted that, at current price levels, it is challenging to compete in the global onion market.
Production and Consumption Trends
Austria’s onion production and consumption patterns have shown a declining trend. The area under onion cultivation was 3.57 thousand hectares as of December 2023. Projections indicate that onion consumption in Austria is expected to decrease to 40,000 metric tons by 2026, an 8.7% annual decline since 2021. Similarly, production is forecasted to drop to 91,740 metric tons by 2026, reflecting a 4.4% annual decrease over the same period.
The Austrian onion market is currently navigating a complex landscape. While domestic sales remain steady, the export sector faces significant challenges due to heightened competition from Dutch producers. Coupled with projected declines in both production and consumption, Austrian onion stakeholders may need to explore strategic adjustments, such as diversifying markets or enhancing product differentiation, to maintain their position in the global market.
