While Almeria started with the marketing of Galia melons about two weeks ago, this week they have been harvesting the first Piel de Sapo melons, which have arrived more than a week earlier than last season. Volumes are not yet significant and most large trading companies will not start stocking them until the first week of May.
Meanwhile, most Piel de Sapo melons currently in the Spanish market and the rest of Europe come from Senegal and their quality is being "very satisfactory, both in terms of flavour and outer appearance," says the president of El Melonero, Antonio Agudo. "We are very pleased with the imports from Senegal."
According to the producer and importer, African melon prices are still somewhat more expensive than last year, partly due to a shortage in the market. "The lower production in Brazil in recent weeks because of torrential rains has reduced the supply and affected the fruit's quality, so Brazil has been shipping less in the weeks when it overlaps with Senegal."
Antonio Agudo is confident that there will be a smooth and easy transition from the Senegalese to the Spanish production. "Senegal will finish its campaign by the time Almeria has enough melons to supply the market," he explains.