The Agricultural Exchange of the Northern and Central Netherlands (lncn) on Thursday increased the quotes for yellow onion sets by 11 to 12.50 euros per 100 kg. For the most expensive onion, they now pay 77 euros per 100 kilograms.
The price for 30-60% coarse onions is currently 65-75 euros per 100 kilograms, while for coarser yellow onions an estimated price of 70-77 euros per 100 kilograms has been set. The listing committee has been describing the onion market as fixed for several weeks now. This means that the demand is greater than the supply.
The limited supply of onions is a consequence of reduced acreage in the Netherlands and low yields due to drought. In most other European countries, the onion crop in 2022 was also relatively low. The current market situation guarantees that for the 2023 harvest, contract prices for foreign deliveries are already offered from 15 euros per 100 kilograms and above.
No big area expansion
By the way, despite the market prospects for the coming growing season, seed companies do not yet expect a significant expansion of onion acreage. This is due to phytosanitary problems in Flevoland due to Fusarium and growing restrictions on growing on drought sensitive soils in the southwest.
- View market prices for onions
High prices have not yet had a significant impact on export volumes this season. As of the 4th week, 853,000 tons of onions have been sold abroad. This is 55,000 tons less than in the 2021-2022 season. West African countries consume slightly less onions than last year. But especially in Europe, the demand for Dutch onions is still there.
In the shadow of yellow onions, the sale of red onions this year plays only a modest role. Demand for red onions remains moderate and this segment is benefiting in part from strong demand for yellow onions. The LNCN registered prices for large red onions today between 33 and 40 euros per 100 kg, which is 1.50 euros more than last week.
