Flavour is often used as a selling point in the fruit and vegetable sector. It is also an important aspect for consumers. "Yet you notice that breeders and growers don't have flavour as a priority in the Galia melon," says a Belgian importer. "Years ago they decided that a long shelf life is more important than flavour and the longlife varieties were introduced. This is noticeable in the sales. It decreases in Belgium every year. It is at the cost of flavour and sales. Less Galia's come to Belgium every year."
Charentais
"The variety Belgians now prefer is a Charentais melon, both from Spain and France," explains the trader. "It is tastier and preferred by the consumers. Spain has greatly improved with this variety in recent years. The flavour used to be lesser."
At the moment the demand for melons is on a back burner. "With this summery weather you would think it would be going well, but the Galia is strained and the prices are bad. They are leaving for 2.5 to 3 Euro per box. The Piel de Sapo, watermelon and yellow melons aren't great either. There is some being sold, but there's no rush."