Quinoa: limited supplies in EU quality
February 11, 2025 at 4:46 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Hardly any white quinoa left
As the experts at Chelmer Foods report, the availability of white quinoa that meets the requirements of the EU market is currently quite limited in Peru. Although some exportable quantities are still available, stocks are low, which is having a significant impact on market dynamics. The outlook for red quinoa is a little more optimistic and stable stocks are reported, with sufficient quantities suitable for export to the EU. Red quinoa is harvested twice a year in Peru; the main harvest in May usually accounts for 90% of the total volume, while a smaller crop of around 10% is harvested in October or November.
Organic produce poses particular challenges
Prices on the Peruvian market have risen, which is particularly evident in the scarcity of white quinoa. Chelmer Foods expects this price trend to continue until the arrival of the new crop in the middle of the year, after which prices could stabilise. Exporters of organic quinoa continue to face the major challenge of not exceeding the permitted levels of phosphoric acid and fosetyl.
This also applies to suppliers in Bolivia, who state that the availability of organic quinoa that meets European market standards is severely limited. Overall, stocks of all varieties are low, according to market experts, and the fact that growers are waiting for higher prices and holding back their goods for so long is also contributing to the shortage. Quinoa prices had already risen here throughout last year, and this is expected to continue at least until the start of the harvest in April/May 2025.
The outlook for the new crop is promising, as a large quantity of quinoa has already been planted and there is every indication that all varieties should be of good quality. According to Chelmer Foods, this should ease the pressure on the market and put a stop to price increases for a while once the crop is available.
Significant increase in EU imports
EU imports in the period from 1 July 2024 to 9 February 2025 are almost 42% higher than in the same period last year. Peru is the most important supplier here with 7,095 mt and an increase of almost 46%, followed by Bolivia, which increased its shipments to the EU by almost 21% to 6,179 mt. Somewhat behind in third place is India, which nevertheless managed to achieve a massive increase of 1,438.6% to 677 mt. The most important buyer countries in the EU during this period were Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. The import value of the 2024/25 season to date amounts to EUR 36.5 million, compared to EUR 22.6 million in the same period of the previous year.
|
EU quinoa imports, in mt |
|||
|
Supplier |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
Diff. |
|
Peru |
4,864 |
7,095 |
45.9% |
|
Bolivia |
5,112 |
6,179 |
20.9% |
|
India |
44 |
677 |
1,438.6% |
|
Others |
199 |
525 |
163.8% |
|
Total |
10,219 |
14,476 |
41.7% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/07-09/02 10085000 Quinoa, “Chenopodium, quinoa” |
|||
View more
- price charts for dried fruit, oilseeds, spices and more
View related articles
