Horticulture
A tough growing season has led to a shortage of onions on supermarket shelves and in takeaways.
A Domino’s spokesperson said the pizza chain was experiencing challenges in the supply of red onion. ‘‘Thankfully, the impact on our menu and customers . . . is minimal, with stores replacing red onion with brown onion on pizzas.’’
A Hastings KFC had a sign on its door informing customers that, due to the red onion shortage, some burgers would be missing the ingredient.
A Countdown supermarket chain spokesperson said unusually wet weather over the past couple of weeks and the transition to a new season meant it was experiencing a reduced supply of both red and brown onions.
‘‘We are working with our growers to get more onions on shelf ... and we are expecting supply to improve in about a week’s time,’’ she said.
As well, there had been labour challenges throughout the supermarket’s supply chain in recent weeks, which had delayed some deliveries to stores.
‘‘Our team is working hard to get things back on track and we are hoping to have our stock levels back to normal very soon.’’
Onions are one of New Zealand’s largest vegetable export earners. About 90% of the onions grown in New Zealand are exported.
James Kuperus, Onions NZ chief executive, said there was a tight supply of red onions as the supply moved from last harvest’s crop to new-season onions.
‘‘The new season harvest is under way now and the first of the red and brown onions will be distributed around the country next week.’’
Onions need fertile, welldrained soils and high nutrients.
‘‘Last season’s weather has contributed to the short supply.
‘‘Pukekohe particularly, was extremely dry. This resulted in reduced yield and the onions did not store as well as they normally would.’’
The shortage of onions has meant the price has risen by up to 72 cents per kilogram over this time last year, on average, according to Stats NZ.