After two years of steady contraction, Dutch onion exports made a remarkable recovery in the 2024/2025 season, according to the Holland Onion Association (HOA). With an export volume of 1,238,272 tons, the sector recorded 17% growth compared to last year. This allowed Dutch onions to regain market share from countries such as China and Egypt. According to the HOA, the rebound has boosted confidence in the sector, especially now that price competition on the world market is once again playing a role.
© Holland Onion Association
Export growth was accompanied by strong domestic production. The area of yellow seed onions increased by almost 13%, yielding nearly 1.3 million tons. However, red onions stood out: at more than 203,000 tons, production rose by 30%. Red onions are gaining ground worldwide and entering an increasing number of markets.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, a new record area of 33,200 hectares is expected, mainly due to the expansion of red onions (+35.6%). Nevertheless, yellow onions remain dominant, accounting for more than 81% of the area.
Shifts in growing areas
Cultivation is expanding into new regions. North Brabant recorded the strongest growth this year (+17%) and is now the second onion province in the Netherlands after Flevoland. Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland also saw significant increases. The availability of fresh water proved to be a crucial factor. Zeeland, meanwhile, remains the heart of the sector. It is where 80% of all onions are sorted, processed, and packaged before being exported worldwide via Vlissingen.
© Holland Onion Association
On the export market, Senegal once again led the list with more than 181,000 tons. Ivory Coast followed closely with almost 180,000 tons, a growth of 77.5%. Britain remained in third place, though imports fell again (-14%). Notably, Israel climbed to seventh place with a growth of almost 71%.
© Holland Onion Association
Within Europe, nearly all countries, except the UK, imported more. France in particular stood out with a growth of 55.4%, including French overseas territories and Polynesia. Overall, 68% of exports went to countries outside Europe, spread across more than 130 destinations. Demand increased in Malaysia, Honduras, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan, among others. Brazil, on the other hand, saw a decline as domestic and regional harvests were sufficient.
Leading player in the global market
With these results, the Netherlands reaffirms its position as a leading player in the global market. The combination of increased acreage, stronger red onion production and regained market share gives the sector optimism for the years ahead.
Source: Holland Onion Association