The price of red onions has increased, last year it was HUF 135, this year it is HUF 400

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 04. 19. 13:19

In recent times, the price of red onions has significantly increased in Hungary, with an average cost of four hundred forints for the brown-skinned domestic variety, which represents a huge increase compared to the previous year. The reasons for this include the rise in import prices, the Russo-Ukrainian war, the increase in energy prices, and drought, which caused a 25-30% decline in production.

Causes of the price increase in red onions

Rise in import prices: Last year, the increase in import prices significantly contributed to the rise in the price of red onions. The growing demand and increased transportation costs further drove up the price.
Russo-Ukrainian war: The military conflict in Ukraine has caused damage to agricultural production, which also affected the production of red onions. Due to the deterioration of Russian-Ukrainian relations, Russian onion growers also faced difficulties, which further increased prices. Increase in energy prices: The significant increase in energy prices also affected the price of red onions. The rise in energy prices has an impact on various areas, such as transportation costs
Drought: The dry weather has caused damage to agricultural production in many countries, including in the production of red onions. The drought caused a 25-30% decline in production, which caused further price increases.

Expected development of red onion prices

According to István Varga, the vice president of FruitVeB Hungarian Interprofessional Organisation for Fruit and Vegetables and Product Council, who gave an interview to InfoRádió, producers are facing many difficulties, but if the growing area increases and conditions are normalized, a 20-30% price decrease is expected.