Dutch onion exports fall back after Easter

The week after Easter shows a clear dip in the export figures for Dutch onions. According to preliminary figures from KCB and GroentenFruit Huis, approximately 15,500 tonnes were exported in that week. It is not surprising that fewer onions were shipped in the week after Easter. One fewer working day results in a slower pace. This can be absorbed by the large capacity in the Netherlands, but demand was lacking. As a result, exports are clearly lower than in the weeks before. Just before Easter, there was somewhat more demand. However, this was insufficient to offset the decline in week 15. Sorters and exporters already indicated this in that week. Responses from onion companies also show that week 16 was better again, followed by week 17 in which sales again went somewhat more slowly. Exports of Dutch onions are therefore moving up and down. Shifts are also visible in destinations. While Morocco still provided extra sales before Easter, that country then disappeared from the market. Côte d'Ivoire is more active on the market and was the largest buyer in week 15, after Great Britain. Indications suggest that Côte d'Ivoire also took in a considerable volume in weeks 16 and 17. Great Britain remains the largest buyer for the time being. Interest from Brazil also provided extra sales. In weeks 16 and 17, considerable volumes were exported there. Israel was still active in week 16, but a week later interest declined again.