Polish onion growers harvested the largest crop in thirteen years last season. However, this does not immediately put the market in a gloomy mood. Nevertheless, the peak of recent years is also not reached. In Poland, onion companies are mainly concerned about the pressure that Dutch onions exert on their market.
According to the latest estimate from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), a total of 675,400 tons of onions were harvested last year. This is 6.6% more than in 2023. Good for a small 42,000 tons. This is the best harvest since 2009, when over 700,000 tons were harvested.
More tons due to larger acreage
Earlier, the statistics office announced the acreage, which has increased significantly by 17% to 25,100 hectares. Initially, insiders were skeptical about this substantial increase, but given the increased volume, it seems to be correct. An average yield of 27 tons per hectare shows that it was not all smooth sailing everywhere.
The 2024 growing season was erratic in Poland. Unlike Western European countries, spring was early to normal in timing. Wet and dry periods alternated, causing quality issues here and there. The heavy rainfall in the south of Poland did not affect the onions much. By the end of September, they were all dry behind the planks.
Prices below average
Since mid-November, market prices for Polish onions have been quite stable, averaging €27 per 100 kilograms. Note that these are sorted and bagged onions. Growers and sellers are not very satisfied with this price. They have had two seasons with particularly high prices. A year ago, the level was at €38 and in 2023 it was around €50. The five-year average for early January is €33 per 100 kilograms.
There is still no real winter weather in Poland, with rain or wintry precipitation during the day and temperatures above zero. At night, the temperature drops a few degrees below zero. Growers still have plenty of onions to find a place for, which is felt in the market, which normally starts to rise cautiously from January onwards.
Pressure from Dutch onions
Another handicap for the Polish market is the supply of Dutch onions. The Poles also know that the Netherlands is heavily dependent on African exports. If that slows down, Eastern Europe will have to take on some of the volume. This could create (price) pressure on the local market. If winter weather stays away, transport can proceed smoothly. In addition, Dutch onions are relatively cheap and easily obtainable in Poland. Insiders also anticipate that it may not be until spring before the market can start looking up again.
