“I'm excited to announce, in coordination with the Vidalia Onion Committee, that April 13th, 2026, is the official pack date for this year's Vidalia onion season,” said Harper. “Georgia’s world-famous Vidalia onions are coming to a store near you very soon, and we are thrilled that professional chefs, home cooks and consumers across the globe will soon be enjoying the incredible, sweet flavor of our Georgia-grown Vidalia onions.”

The official pack date is carefully determined each year after close monitoring of weather patterns, soil conditions and crop maturity to ensure that only onions meeting the industry’s strict quality standards reach the market.

Following an extensive review of crop conditions, the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted to recommend April 13 as the official start of the season. Commissioner Harper subsequently approved the recommendation.

Vidalia onions are grown exclusively in a 20-county production region in south Georgia, where the area’s unique soil composition and mild climate create the ideal environment for developing the onions’ signature sweet flavor.

“For the 2026 season, growers planted approximately 10,200 acres of Vidalia onions across the production region,” said Omar Cruz, chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee. “Our farmers work year-round to grow and harvest a crop that meets the high standards consumers expect from the Vidalia name. We are excited to bring another outstanding crop to market.”

Vidalia onion growers rely on generations of agricultural knowledge combined with modern growing practices to produce the crop. Onions are carefully planted, harvested and cured before being packed and shipped to grocery stores nationwide.

The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 established the official growing region and legally protected the “Vidalia” name, ensuring that only onions grown in this specific area of Georgia can be marketed as Vidalia onions.

“Our growers take tremendous pride in producing a crop that represents the best of Georgia agriculture,” said Shane Curry, executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee. “From planting to harvest, there is incredible care and dedication behind every Vidalia onion that reaches the market.”

As the official pack date approaches, retailers, chefs and home cooks alike are preparing for the return of one of the most beloved seasonal ingredients in American kitchens. Whether grilled, caramelized, sliced fresh in salads, or featured in classic Southern recipes, Vidalia onions bring a signature sweetness that elevates dishes throughout the spring and summer.

Consumers can expect to see Vidalia onions in grocery stores nationwide shortly after the official pack date.