Strong demand for large onions, medium grades harder to move

There is indeed demand for large onions. As expected, it is primarily the onions in the medium sizes that are difficult to sell. Price reductions do not help to sell more onions; it is more of a struggle to secure those few orders. England, Spain, Portugal, and Israel are active in the market for large onions. The Brits are trying to acquire these onions at very competitive prices, while in the other markets, slightly more can be realized. We see in the export figures that Great Britain is quite active in the market. From January 5th until the first week of February, about 3,500 tons of Dutch onions have been bought weekly by the Brits. They are therefore significant buyers during a period when sales have decreased after Senegal dropped out compared to before the New Year. In that respect, Spain, Portugal, and Israel are smaller buyers. According to the figures available so far, Spain purchases around 600 tons weekly, while the quantities for Portugal and Israel are even smaller. These destinations are willing to pay 1 or 2 cents more. Large onions for England yield about 20 cents per bag, while the other destinations pay up to 22 cents per 100 kilos. The quantity of large onions is limited this season. Mostly fine batches are offered because growers with beautiful large onions are hopeful for a better market later in the season. In a market with less purchasing enthusiasm than before the New Year, the sale of medium sizes is more challenging. Some smaller sorters have even halted operations because they first want to sell their stock of medium-sized onions. Jumbo onions (80 mm and above or also 70 mm+) are even scarcer than large ones. Gradually, there is indeed demand for these onions in Europe. Due to little sorting, this size is even rarer than it was. As a result, prices for these onions are rising again. The price for these onions is now at least a quarter, multiple sellers say. A few claim to realize 26 to 28 cents per kilo for these onions. Struggling sales of medium As mentioned, the sale of the finer onions is more difficult. We still see price pressure in that segment. Everyone realizes that even lower prices for the Netherlands do not generate extra sales; nevertheless, many try to secure that one order with a sharper price. In this way, they hope to remain active and manage to sell their stock of fine onions after all. The price differences between the various sizes of finer onions are relatively large. For small onions, the DCA Packed Onions Benchmark Price remains stable at around 16 cents. The same price is set for the size 40-60 millimeters. Onions measuring 45 to 65 millimeters fetch slightly more at around 17 cents, and the size 50-70 is near 19 cents per kilo. On average, the prices for the medium size are somewhat below last week's level.