In Panama, the watermelon season is coming to an end, and producers are starting to prepare for the coming year. The Association of Producers of Watermelons for Export Cascajalillo Unido (APSECU) explains that the Panamanian season normally runs from November to April, since the winter rains in May and June prevent the production of this item.
The Association produces mainly watermelons, and can also grow yellow melons, if its customers demand them, as they have varieties resistant to pests and diseases and to the winter season. They are products that are certified every year with the Global GAP standard, so they are able to export their production, totalling 300 containers, to any destination worldwide, including the demanding European Union market. Next year, the production is expected to increase to 400 containers.
Reduced acreage
However, the producer acknowledges that watermelon production in Panama has been declining since 2005, mainly due to the fact that prices are not competitive, but also to the problems caused by frosts in Europe, increasing the price per kilo of this fruit. Moreover, Panama's main competitors are Costa Rica and Brazil, for whom the European market is more accessible because they have branches and contacts in Europe.
For this reason, the Solis brothers are seeking new contacts in Europe. "We want to reach both supermarket chains and sellers directly, without intermediaries, because we want to try to negotiate a price that is fair and in accordance with the efforts we make to improve the quality of our watermelons," concludes the producer.
APSECU
With more than twenty years' experience, the Association of Producers of Watermelons for Export Cascajalillo Unido (APSECU) offers melons and watermelons both with seeds and seedless, and currently cultivates more than 200 hectares. The association has the capacity to ship up to 300 containers to any part of the world and has high-level infrastructures, as well as private banking financing and the full support of the Panamanian State.
More information:
Juan Rodolfo de Vicente Sánchez
Association of Producers of Watermelons for Export Cascajalillo Unido (APSECU)