Free market sales: decide for yourself when to sell

In free market sales, you do not fix anything in advance. You decide for yourself when to sell, based on what the market offers at that moment. PPA keeps you informed of market developments so that you can make well-considered decisions.
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Vrije handel

In 3 steps to sales via free trade

Getting acquainted
We discuss your situation: volume, storage options, and what you are looking for in a buyer.
Follow the market
PPA monitors the market daily and informs you about price developments and demand, so that you can decide for yourself when you want to sell.
Selling and delivering
As soon as you decide to sell, we find the buyer that matches your batch and arrange the delivery.
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How does free market sales work?

With free market sales, no price or sales method is agreed upon in advance. You observe market conditions and how your consignment is sourced from the land, and determine the right time to sell based on quality and market developments. PPA monitors the market daily and informs you about price trends and demand, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Work together with PPA
Drie rode uien van klein naar groot op een rij

PPA visits 
more than 1,000 growers 
annually to broker 
all types of onions.

Mensen aan tafel bespreken documenten met telefoon in hand.

Deliver immediately or store: the choice is yours

With free market sales, you have two options: direct delivery from the farm, or storing your lot and selling it later. Storage can be profitable, but it also entails costs, such as for energy and maintenance. You want to recoup those costs through a good price later in the season. If desired, we can review the lot with you and discuss how the market is developing at that moment. We share current market information and the opportunities we see, so that you can weigh up for yourself what best aligns with your plans.

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Persoon schilt uien boven een houten kist.

Our customers speak

“PPA actively monitors the market and helps think about sales. We inspect the batches in the warehouse together. A pleasant partner, in good and difficult years.”

Thijs Broekhuizen
Grower

“A pleasant collaboration for almost twenty years. Patrick is quick to respond, visits regularly, and knows what is going on. At PPA, lines of communication are short and everything is well organized.”

Sven Hoogland
Hoogland Contracting Company

“The personal contact makes all the difference for me. Jelle knows my company, and I know what I can expect from him and PPA. That inspires confidence.”

Martijn van Es
Grower
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Frequently asked questions about free market sales

Unsure if free market sales suits your situation, or do you have questions about timing and risk? Below you will find the most frequently asked questions. Contact us for personal advice.

What is the difference between free market sales and contract farming?

With contract farming, you set the price and conditions in advance. With free market sales, you do not. You then decide for yourself, based on the current market, when to sell.

How do I know when the right time is to sell?

PPA monitors the market daily and informs you about price developments and demand. The final decision to sell rests with you.

Is free trade riskier than contract farming or an onion pool?

Free market sales offers more freedom, but also more uncertainty regarding the final price. PPA helps you determine in advance whether free trading suits your situation, or if a pool or contract is a better fit. During the season, we help you determine the right time to sell based on current market information, but the final decision always rests with you.

Can I also sell part of my lot via free market sales and part via contract?

Yes. Many growers combine both forms to spread risk. PPA helps you determine the allocation that suits your situation.

Vrouw werkt aan bureau met meerdere monitors in kantooromgeving.

Make your own decisions, based on market knowledge

The freedom to decide for yourself when to sell also means that you have to monitor the market yourself. Or that you need someone to do that for you. PPA is at the heart of the market every day and works with sorters, packers, and processors in the Netherlands and abroad, so that we can look for a suitable buyer for your batch the moment you sell.

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