After two years characterized by low prices, quotations are rather high this year. In the main Italian markets, we're talking about €0.70-1 per wholesale kg. This means both producers and intermediate links of the chain can make a profit and cover what they lost during previous years.
An operator from northern Italy reports that "the produce is lacking and the situation is the same in Europe. Demand is high and those who have got onions sell them sparingly." Shallot sells at €1.90-2.20/kg and coppery onions at €0.80-0.90 in loose crates. Small peeled onions sell at €2.40-4.20/kg."
According to the operator, prices will remain high until onions from Egypt or from the Southern hemisphere (e.g. from Australia) will become available. The tension will drop as supply increases.
"Coppery, shallot and Borrettana onions are also lacking. Even the processing industry finds it difficult to find produce. I believe producers and traders are finally breathing a sigh of relief. If we're honest, final consumers will only pay a few dozen cents more. Considering the amount of onions a person actually eats in a year, we're talking about a difference of only a few Euros over 365 days. For us producers, however, it means ending the year on a positive note."