"Spain: "Increasingly difficult to find small calibre Piel de Sapo melons"

"The Netherlands, Germany and France are increasingly demanding more Piel de Sapo melon, popular because of its organoleptic qualities as its long shelf life, and is gaining market share over yellow melons and even watermelons. These countries generally consume smaller calibres compared to the traditional 3 and 4 kilo melons that are popular in Spain, which is the leading producer and marketer of Piel de Sapo melons. At the moment, given that demand for smaller melons is growing faster than supply, it becomes increasingly difficult to find significant amounts of Piel de Sapo melons for export," says Ruben Trigo.

Regarding prices, the product reaches between 0.60 and 0.61 Euro per kilo. "It is a reasonable price, ideal to work with ease and allow all parties in the chain to make a profit. It is worth noting that if melons were more expensive, growers would obtain a higher profit, but marketers would encounter difficulties to introduce the product into the market," states Ruben.

Based in Villaconejos, Melones Trigo specialises in the production and marketing of Piel de Sapo melon and watermelon, sold under its own brand VILLAMEJOR in both the domestic and the export markets, with destinations such as the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

"We work with all packaging formats, including cardboard boxes and Minibox for supermarkets. We also have a Gold Selection that we pack in high quality wooden or cardboard boxes. For this format we select the highest quality gourmet melons marketed at a price that is affordable to everyone," concludes Ruben Trigo.