"The onion season is going well and prices are much higher than 2014. Only the white varieties are a bit behind, but that is only because there is a lot of produce from Spain, which has a good quality and lower prices," explains Davide Marmocchi.
Spain and Italy are the only European countries to produce white onions, whereas France produces mostly yellow ones and the Netherlands, Germany and Austria focus on the yellow and red varieties.
"There are few big grades available (8/10). We are dealing mainly with mid-grades (6/8 millimetres). Last year, because of the heavy rainfall, the percentage of big grades was over 40% but this year it is below 5%."
"Anyway there is not much produce available, we have estimated volumes around 30-40% less than last year, so I believe stocks will not last until the end of March. We have already bought some white onions from Piedmont."
Marmocchi also bought some yellow and red onions from L'Aquila. "It was a pleasant surprise as quality was good."
As regards exports, there is not a lot going on. Temperatures above average and the Russian ban are affecting sales. The UK seems to be the only exception, though not a lot of produce is sent there.
"On the domestic market, people prefer small packets like 1 kg vertbags or 500 gram packets (photo above)."
