Melons reached an average price of close to 0.42 €/kg, slightly lower than in the previous week. Yellow and Piel de Sapo melons are the most valued this week, with prices of between 0.47 and 0.50 €/kg. Galia melons do not surpass 0.30 €/kg and Cantaloupes stand at 0.40 €/kg.
Cantaloupe melon production started in Almeria between late April and early May and most of the production will have been harvested by the first half of June. The Cantaloupe campaign started with unfavourable price levels; on the one hand, the strong export volumes from overseas producers, and on the other hand, Morocco's large production, with a season taking place from mid-April to late May, have had a negative effect on prices from the beginning of the campaign. Additionally, the weather conditions in Central Europe up to the middle of last week were not ideal for the consumption of summer fruits.
Galia melons are already past their production peak, while the Piel de Sapo is still in the first half of its production cycle. The quality of the produce is suitable for marketing, although substantial price oscillations have been registered depending on calibres.
Average price at origin by product during weeks 18, 19 and 20 of the 2013/2014 campaign and average prices during weeks 19 and 20 of the 2013/14, 2012/13 and 2011/2012 campaigns.
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Watermelon
Black seedless watermelons reached prices of between 0.30-0.32 €/kg; striped watermelons stand between 0.28 and 0.30, and prices for the black variety with seeds range between 0.19 and 0.22 €/kg. The week has been characterised by a large watermelon supply, especially of the seedless black and striped varieties, as well as by an increase in European demand later in the week due to improved weather conditions in Central Europe.
The good weather conditions during the fruit's development and settling stages have resulted in a high quality production for both exports and domestic sales.