No product is as dependent on the weather as melons. “Watermelons are even more extreme in that, but even regular melons need good weather for smooth sales. The constantly disappointing weather has, as yet, kept prices for all melons low. Galia melons are being sold at 4 to 5 Euro, and Cantaloupe at 5 to 6 Euro,” says Leon van den Hombergh, commercial manager of Frankort & Koning.
“Almería’s melon season is as good as over, but Murcia is now in full production. Besides, there is supply from Italy and France, and Greece, Hungary and Italy are also entering the watermelon market now. So there is plenty of supply,” Van den Hombergh observes. “Hardly any problems arose in the production areas during cultivation, so we are getting plenty of quantity. And the window in which the European producers have to make a profit is becoming smaller and smaller. For example, they already started sowing again in Brazil. In about two months the overseas season will start in full swing again.”
Although warmer weather has been predicted for the next three days, the importer is not yet counting out his money. “Warm weather is welcome, but if it lasts just three days, the effect will only be very short. There have already been plenty of supermarket promotions, but consumers just do not want to buy melons when it is only 18 degrees. You will always have the basic sales, but for an extra boost you really need more than 25 degrees.”
For more information:
Leon van den Hombergh
Frankort&Koning
Tel: (+31) 77-3897202
l.vdhombergh@frankort.nl
www.frankort.nl