Popular onion varieties may soon be harder to come by, as U.S. stocks are running low and weather-related hardship has caused a lag in Mexico’s season. With prices already on the rise for some non-sweet varieties, consumers could see a rise in cost as retailers try to fill an unexpected lull.
According to sources in the produce industry, heavy storms destroyed about five percent of the Mexican onion crop, with much of what survived not reaching full size. Price differences between the more plentiful medium size and scarce large size can stretch over $5.00, reflecting the dwindling storage stock available.
Those price differences may soon be passed down to consumers. Onions have seen an increase in popularity as other commodities have been impacted by weather, and, late last year, growing international demand stretched an already dwindling supply. It is possible that this low-supply window could push prices higher, and make stocking displays difficult for retailers.
But while red and white onions have been on a downturn, sweet onions are on the rise. Peruvian planters were overly cautious in the past, but this year their steady stock of sweet onions has driven prices down. If supplies remain consistent, prices could stay low as the season goes on.
