“Indian summer results in great prices for melons”

The Indian summer is resulting in swift melon sales. “The weather is good, perhaps the best ever. Supply from Italy, France and Spain is nearing its end, giving Brazilian melons a clear path. It is even the case that, due to obligations to retailers, not that many melons are available for the free market,” says Leon van den Hombergh of Frankort & Koning.

“Additionally, supply of, for example, stone fruit is quickly decreasing, and stocks of pineapple have been depleted. And those are not the only products that have already finished their seasons,” Van den Hombergh continues. “European melons are not bothering us much. Heavy rainfall is expected in La Mancha, causing that season to also abruptly reach its end. Italy and France will continue to offer Cantaloupe, and Italy does not have any yellow melons now, which they normally do during this period. I expect many players will switch to fresh supply, based just on qualitative grounds.”

“All of this is resulting in high prices. Galias are being sold for 9 to 10 euro, Cantaloupes for 8 to 9 euro, and yellow and watermelons are being sold for one euro per kilo. These are, naturally, great prices,” Van den Hombergh says. The first large melon shipment from Brazil will arrive next weekend. “As yet, we are expecting normal volumes. Brazil still has to deal with the consequences of drought and a water shortage. The internal market is slightly better than last year. Hopefully volumes for the European market will be regulated better this year. The start has been fine, to be sure, but the season lasts longer than a week and this beautiful weather will not last forever either.”

For more information:
Leon van den Hombergh
Frankort&Koning
Tel: +31 (0)77 389 72 02
l.vdhombergh@frankort.nl
www.frankort.nl