Onion supply is low at the moment. “There have been various weather-related issues around the world that have contributed to the low supply situation and higher than usual demand. It is too early to tell how long this supply situation will last,” says Matthew Gideon, sales & commodity manager with Keystone Fruit Marketing.
Compared to last year at this time, the onion supply is much lower. That said, the quality has been very good so far.
Right now, fresh onions are coming from Washington State, which will wrap up by the end of the year. Keystone is also sourcing from Peru and Mexico at the start of 2024. “There have been challenges related to El Nino in South America so we have been battling Mother Nature this fall. However, we expect ‘normal’ conditions for our Mexican season. We will also add our Mexican Mayan Sweet onions to our supply and look forward to that season.”
Import capacity
Gideon also expects its Peruvian season to last a couple more months. “We have increased our capacity in Mexico and Peru and increased our consumer packing capacity to serve a bigger need for products in consumer packs,” says Gideon. “We are looking forward to 2024 to continue to expand on the growth we had in 2023.”
In the market right now, there are also onions from Oregon, Idaho, New York and Michigan.
As for demand, it’s strong and should remain so until the supply situation improves. “I expect demand to stay brisk and steady movement on onions across all varieties,” says Gideon. “Onions are used to make every cuisine in the world. As long as people continue to eat, consumption will be strong.”
All of this means prices are higher this year compared to a few weeks ago due to rising supply issues around North and South America. “As it has been over the last few years, challenges include the rising costs of inputs, from labor to packaging to fertilizers. Trying to offset the rising costs by becoming more efficient for our customers has been a priority,” says Gideon.
For more information:
Matthew Gideon
Keystone Fruit Marketing
[email protected]
www.keystonefruit.com