Moreover, there will be stability in the production of most varieties, including the Galia, Yellow, Cantaloupe and Charentais. The expected growth in Piel de Sapo production responds to the great increase in demand at the domestic market. Only a month before the international markets begin importing melon from the Region of Murcia, the industry is hoping warm temperatures at the countries of destination to stimulate demand.
The UK (34%) is the main export destination for PROEXPORT's melons, followed by Germany (20%) and the Netherlands (10%). Other destinations include the remaining members of the EU, Norway, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. PROEXPORT's trade missions to major fairs have led to the opening of "new and attractive niche markets" for its members.
"Murcia is the European Union's main melon supplier during the summer months, as the fruit has great prestige in the international markets. We give our customers a quality guarantee in terms of calibre, texture, sweetness, juiciness and flavour. These features, achieved thanks to Murcia's special climatic and production conditions, make it almost impossible to imitate in other places," states Laureano Montesinos.
Montesinos also brings attention to the exhaustive food safety controls performed by Murcia's companies, as well as the good agricultural practices that are making it possible to control certain pests, such as the New Delhi virus, which has not been detected in the Region.
Melons in the Region of Murcia
According to data provided by the Council of Agriculture and Water, Murcia's production in 2013 reached 223,668 tonnes, harvested in an total of 6,230 hectares distributed mainly between Cartagena (77%), Guadalentin (14%) and Vega del Segura (6%). During 2013, the Region of Murcia exported 196,025 tonnes of melons.