Wholesale Onion Suppliers for US Buyers

US onion production is approximately 2.8 million tonnes per year, with major growing regions in Idaho/Eastern Oregon, California, New York, and Texas. Imports, primarily from Mexico and Peru, fill seasonal supply gaps especially during winter months. The US onion industry operates under USDA Grade Standards and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) governing trade disputes.

Sweet onions command premium retail pricing in the US market: Vidalia (Georgia PDO), Walla Walla (Washington), Maui (Hawaii), and Texas 1015 Super-Sweet are the leading domestic sweet varieties. Yellow globe onions dominate foodservice and processing volumes. Red onions are popular in fresh-cut salad and food-service applications. White onions are preferred in Mexican-American cuisine and food-service across the Southwest.

USDA Grade US No. 1 covers firmness, shape, colour, and minimum diameter requirements. FSMA Produce Safety Rule applies to domestically grown and imported onions. Importers must confirm Supplier Verification under FSVP. Following 2021–2022 multi-state Salmonella outbreaks traced to imported onions, FDA increased scrutiny of fresh onion imports; buyers should require FSMA-compliant food safety plans and recent third-party audit results (SQF, BRC, GlobalGAP) from all suppliers.

Standard dry onion storage: 32–34°F (0–1°C), 65–70% RH. Sweet onions: 32–34°F, 60–70% RH, shelf life of 2–3 months. CIPC (chlorpropham) sprout inhibitor is approved for US use but not EU; buyers supplying both markets need to specify CIPC-free lots for EU-bound goods.

Domestic bulk shipments move in 50 lb (22.7 kg) mesh bags or bulk bins (1,000 lb / 454 kg). Import containers (20-ft or 40-ft reefer) typically hold 20–44 tonnes. Cross-border trade from Mexico frequently moves in refrigerated truck shipments. Buyers importing from outside North America must ensure USDA/FDA prior notice and phytosanitary import permit compliance.

Q: Which US-grown sweet onions have protected designation? A: Vidalia onions from Toombs County, Georgia, are federally protected under USDA marketing order (7 CFR Part 955). Walla Walla Sweet Onions carry a state-level Washington designation.

Q: What are PACA terms for onion contracts? A: Standard PACA trading terms require payment within 10 days of acceptance. Exceeding 30 days without written agreement triggers PACA violations.

Q: Are there specific food safety requirements for imported onions post-2022? A: Yes. Following the 2021 Salmonella Newport outbreak, FDA increased sampling of imported onions. Suppliers should provide FSMA-compliant food safety plans, water testing records, and third-party audit certificates.

Q: What import tariffs apply to onions imported into the USA? A: HTSUS 0703.10 covers onions and shallots; MFN rate is 3.7 cents/kg for fresh/chilled. Mexico and Canada are duty-free under USMCA.

Q: Can I source dehydrated or processed onion through Towobo? A: Yes. Towobo lists suppliers of dehydrated onion flakes, minced, powder, and granulated forms, typically processed in India and China.