premiere - part 7 - the Exporting Season

How does a Dutch onion become a globe-trotter? Through waterways that connect, exporters who excel, and logistics that are both smart and sustainable. Thanks to centuries of trading spirit and a unique system for certified quality control, the Netherlands became Read more »

soubise - an onion sauce with velvety charm

Onions boring? Forget it. Discover the classic Sauce Soubise and bring an elegant, velvety sauce to the table in no time. This French favorite delivers a surprisingly rich flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any vegetable, meat, or fish. Weeknight meal or festive dinner –this Read more »

comeback export growth

After two seasons of significant decline, Dutch onion exports are back with an impressive 17% growth. Old markets have been reclaimed, new opportunities are emerging, and red onions are making unprecedented gains. From Malaysia to Honduras, from Read more »

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With its healthy, round shape and bronze-colored tunic, the Holland Onion travels the world relentlessly. Not a glamorous vegetable, but a primary food source for billions of people in dozens of countries.

Only five percent of our Dutch onions end up on Dutch plates. Globally, the situation is precisely the opposite: of the one hundred billion kilos of onions grown annually, 92 percent remains within the country's own borders. In many countries, locally grown onions have a short shelf life due to climate and day length. This means frequent periods without local harvests in many countries.

So the Netherlands is helping to fill gaps in the global food supply. This is done in consultation, and with respect for local markets. Take Senegal: imports are only permitted there once the domestic harvest has been sold, and import licenses are only issued to importers who market local produce when it's available.

So yes, the Holland Onion is a hero with a positive global impact. An essential vegetable with a nutritious role in the daily diet, connecting markets and contributing to global food security—at a reasonable price and with a low ecological footprint.

That is the humble triumph of the Dutch onion.

Gijsbrecht Gunter
president Holland Onion Association