The 2024 export season for Italian 'Bella Italia' onions launched in calendar week 22, though yields are half of normal volumes with predominantly small-sized onions. "Large 70+ onions are scarce, but quality remains good," reports Daniel Voll of Germany's Vau-Ge GmbH, a 30-year specialist in Italian onions.

The delayed start - caused by cold, wet conditions that postponed sowing - shortened the season by 10 days. Marketing remains optimistic as old Dutch/German stocks cleared early, eliminating supply overlap. "We expect a receptive market," notes Voll, though promotions will be limited.

Prices exceed 2023 levels due to scarcity but stay below New Zealand imports thanks to shorter transport routes. Vau-Ge sources through contract growers in central/southern Italy, selling 90% to German retailers via packers.

The sales window remains tight: June is the peak month, with seasons typically ending by early-mid July. "We’ve already lost 10 days," Voll concluded, though unchanged cultivation capacities ensure continued supply for this established niche.