"We are expecting a good season and a good price level"

With the start of the Brazilian melon season, the South American country is the largest supplier of the subtropical cucurbit in the world. However, recently an extended period of drought has negatively affected the harvest. "Until recently, it was relatively dry in the main Brazilian melon cultivation areas", Nils Plieninger from the German Cobana Fruchtrung GmbH & Co. KG explains. "Thus, this year's first harvest has turned out somewhat smaller than expected." However, it is not a reason for concern to the fruit importer. "This way it will not cause bottlenecks on the world market. There is no overproduction."

The expert is certain that the product availability could temporarily decrease further in the coming one to two weeks. Cause is a strike in Brazil, through which quite a number of containers were not loaded onto the ships. "Availability will definitely go down in the coming two weeks", the fruit expert describes. Nevertheless, the view of the season is positive: "We as importers expect a relatively good season and a corresponding good price level because of the lesser availability."

Beside the smaller harvest, the increased desire for fruit within Brazil is also responsible for the reduced flow of goods to Europe. "Meanwhile, the Brazilian market itself needs a certain quantity of fruit, so that there is less available for export. The local purchasing power has increased, and the exchange rate makes little difference anymore." Correspondingly, the producers are not as strongly focused on export as 10 years ago anymore. 

The expert thinks that in the future, mini water melons could become more attractive for Brazilian producers. "Until now, there are only a few projects for growing mini water melons in Brazil," says Plieninger. "However, I think that these smaller species also have a future. Especially considering the fact that households in Germany are becoming smaller."

At present, mostly classical species come from Brazil. Among others, these are honey melons, Galia melons, as well as Cantaloupe and its subspecie Charentais. Furthermore, water melons, Seedless Quetzali and some Piel de Sapo are available. All sorts are popular in this country. "The honey melon however, still plays a small main part," the fruit expert explains. "Galia and Cantaloupe follow closely behind."

"Brazilian products are imported up until February. Even in March, some honey melons will still be available," says the fruit importer. Subsequent to the Brazilian season, the Middle-American countries such as Costa Rica, Panama and Honduras follow.