The melon offer in France is still weak, despite the South East being in full production and imports in May decreasing over a year. Demand is there, and has allowed prices to increase compared to the previous season
Agreste reports that production acreage has decreased by 1% over the year and 6% compared to the five year average. Whilst greenhouse acreage, which is the minority, has been stable, the open air productions have seen the 1% decrease. Changing crops in the PACA region (mainly from courgettes) has led to a +3.5% increase in melons. The Poitou-Charentes region still has the highest national melon acreage : 26% of national acreage and 28% of open air acreage.
At the start of this season, harvest is affected by the decrease in production acreage and yield (-5% for greenhouse and open air crops). 2016 production has decreased by 7% compared to last year, and by 9% compared to the five year average. Whilst the lack of sun and the cold spring led to vegetation being 10 or so days late, the increase in temperatures in June improved the quality and calibre of the melons. Heavy rain at the end of June did however lead to high crop loss in the Poitou-Charentes region.