How do you see the 23-24 campaign at Mulder?
The situation in 2023-24 is not very different to that in 22-23. There is a shortage of good quality onions. Many stored consignments seem not to be satisfactory due to problems of fusarium and bacterial rot and this will mean the price of good onions will rise.
How are these high prices affecting exports to countries that historically import onions, which are now looking for other, closer suppliers, such as is the case of Senegal?
At present, Africa (but also other regions such as Central America and Asia) are only importing Chinese onions. Other countries are not our competitors as they have a different crop season and they do not have large amounts of produce. What is certain is that, regardless of the agricultural produce in question, the weather and the climate will play an increasingly important role in terms of quality and also of yield per hectare. The Netherlands usually create competition amongst themselves and they determine whether other producing countries can export in a profitable way below our level. This has become an annual debate.
The general trend in Europe is one of medium-small calibres. What consequences will this have on marketing?
Regarding our export opportunities: traditionally, the Netherlands have always sold smaller calibres. Of course, it is good that, as an exporting country, there we have enough produce available in all sizes, but this means only a small disadvantage in a year like this one and in the previous ones.
There is a shortage of the highly demanded red onion; how are you going to replace it?
After years of having too many red onions, suddenly there is a decline all over the world. It is noticeable that this reduction in surface area has taken place everywhere. It has even occurred in the southern hemisphere (particularly, in New Zealand). As a result, prices are high. We will have to wait and see whether this will immediately lead to a response in growth next year.
