Mediation in second-year onion sets
What are second-year onion sets?
Second-year onion sets are grown for consumption and processing. They form an important link between two sown onion harvests. PPA mediates the sale of your onion sets and puts you in contact with suitable buyers. This can be done via contract farming or free trade, depending on the agreements and opportunities in the market.
3 steps to the sale of second-year onion sets
Important link between two harvests
Second-year onion sets fill the gap between the available stock of old seed onions and the new seed onion harvest, making them an indispensable product for many buyers in the run-up to the new season. Because they become available within a relatively short period, it is important that supply and demand align well. PPA maintains daily contact with sorters, packers, exporters, retailers, and processors active during this period. As a result, we know which parties are seeking supply, what quality is required, and which destination best suits your product. This ensures your batch ends up with a buyer who truly sees value in the quality and characteristics of your onions.
Direct access to processors and sorters
Building a network of processors and sorters yourself takes years. PPA has been working with domestic and international partners since 1989 and maintains those relationships on a daily basis. As a grower, you benefit directly from that network, without having to build it yourself.
PPA visits
more than 1,000 growers
annually to broker
all types of onions.
Early insight into your sales opportunities
Many second-year onion sets are secured in advance via a contract. By entering into discussions with us early on, you gain insight into market demand and the possibilities for your batch. Have you opted for open trade? Even then, we remain involved and look for a suitable buyer and a good market for your onion sets, even after the harvest.
Frequently asked questions about second-year onion sets
With second-year planted onions, the process is slightly different compared to sown onions due to the short turnaround time. You can find the most frequently asked questions about this below.
Why is the sale of second-year onion sets time-sensitive?
Second-year onion sets are harvested within a short window, between late June and late August. This is precisely the period when processors are between the old and new seed onion harvests and require supply.
How do you ensure that my batch doesn't get left lying around?
We work with buyers who are specifically active during this period, so that we can act quickly as soon as your product is ready for sale.
What if the onion harvest falls earlier or later than planned?
We take shifts into account and continuously coordinate this with customers, so that a small change in planning does not immediately become a problem.
To whom are second-year onion sets sold?
To retailers, exporters, trading houses, and processors such as baking factories, who use second-year onion sets due to their higher dry matter content. They form the bridge to the new sown onion harvest, precisely at the moment when supermarkets want the new harvest on the shelves from a fixed date.
Sales that suit your situation
For second-year onion sets, you can choose between a pre-arranged sales market or open market. When you make agreements in advance, you know where you stand and under what conditions you will deliver. If you choose open market, we will continue to look for suitable sales opportunities for your batch throughout the season and also after the harvest.