The onion market is unusually quiet at the moment. "There is no demand. I also do not know where it would come from in the short-term. In Africa, Senegal is closing its borders on 15 January, and the Ivory Coast is getting its own harvest", says William Nanne. He is a buyer at the Dutch company, J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders.
"Mauritania also has no money to buy our expensive onions. We are also too pricey for many other parts of the world. There, alternatives are available. The demand will, therefore, have to come mainly from Europe. "
"It is hoped that Senegal will still have a shortage of onions before their own crops are ready. However, for now, there are plenty of Dutch and other foreign onions waiting at the quay. Some people are bound to become nervous. Especially if there is no demand at the beginning of next week", he continues.
"All in all, it is not a thriving market. The current bale price in the Netherlands is at roughly the EUR0,47-mark. This is for medium-sized onions in particular. This price is coming under pressure. However contrary this may seem given the stocks and farmers' prices", concludes William.
