The Galia, Cantaloupe and Yellow melon campaigns will finish two weeks earlier than usual this year because of the mild temperatures recorded this summer compared to previous campaigns. Both Murcia and Castile-La Mancha have seen a reduction in their volumes.
"This is the last week when the export programs for the shipment of Spanish Galia, Cantaloupe and Yellow melons to Europe will be possible. From week 36, productions will generally be already too small," explains David Franco, of the commercial department of the Murcia-based company Campo de Lorca.
Although this has not been a campaign with what could be considered a good average price, according to the exporter, "prices have been acceptable and we have been able to fulfil the programs as planned, from production through to marketing."
"The promotions that European supermarkets have been carrying out have played an important role at specific times when the supply was saturated," he affirms. "It seems that this trend on the part of supermarkets will continue and will increase for future campaigns."
According to David Franco, the campaign has been more notable in terms of quality, "with a very satisfactory Brix and barely any losses or rejections at destination, something that has helped save prices."