The weather has remained relatively good in Tasmania, just some rain in early January. According to Jim Ertler from Premium Fresh Tasmania, the rain won’t affect quality but they could have done without it all the same.
“Volumes will be up in some and areas and slightly down in other so our volumes should average out.”
The issues in the Red Sea continue to cause problems for global shipping and Jim said it is also an issue for Tasmanian onion exports to Europe. “We do have other options, but these are costly and also involve risk and mean the onions are two weeks longer in transit, but that won’t affect the quality on arrival as Tasmanian onions are among the best- keeping onions in the world. We are working with our customers in Europe to make sure no one loses out. It is a very involved process from planting to market and there is rarely a year when one step in the process isn’t interrupted.”
Demand in Europe is good as they have had their own issues and need good quality onions from the Southern Hemisphere.
“The Australian domestic market is a bit slower than last season, and prices are not as strong. I think this is due to growers holding back on supply early last season and then being forced to push volumes to clear their storage in the springtime last year. This lowered the price and it hasn’t recovered as of yet.”
For more information:
Jim Ertler
Premium Fresh Tasmania
Tel: +61 3649 888 88
Email: jim.ertler@premiumfresh.com.au
www.premiumfresh.com.au