Diversified onion market

The onion market differs depending on the type. "Demand is lively for white onions, as production is slightly low in various European areas. Producers probably sowed a little less, so demand exceeds supply," reports producer and trader Matteo Freddi.

Freddi exports white onions to Great Britain as well, through the Ocado.com website. "This portal sells prestigious Freddi onions as part of a selection of high-quality Italian seasonal products under the Natoora brand. So, a lady from Reggio Emilia who lives in Cardiff sent us a photo (see below) proudly showing the prestigious bulbs from Emilia."

As for golden onions, after a good start of the campaign, quality is the same as in other years but average grades are lower, so the market has become heavier. 

"One of our main varieties, Borettana, has experienced a 20% drop in prices compared to 2020, as demand from the industry is slow. Italian shallots are not exported at the moment, as crops were good in the Netherlands, Belgium and France."

Matteo Freddi

Thanks to the weather, onion quality is very high this year, even for red onions, which have excellent quotations even if they are not exported.