Five years ago, Meridiem Seeds Italia started working with a few Spanish companies to supply pigmented-flesh Amarillo melons. Feedback had already been positive in central and northern Europe and the response seems to be great in Italy as well.
These melons, called Azucar, are currently grown in Sicily (harvesting in May/June and September/October) and southern Italy (harvesting between June and September) as well as in northern Italy (in greenhouses between June and September).
Ready for harvesting
Meridiem Seeds Italia has announced the early produce is ready for harvesting in Palma di Montechiaro (AG).
An umbrella brand
The project was based on the development of a common brand (Golden Prince). It was a way to invest on the development of this interesting new hybrid, especially for what concerns export activities (with France as a main destination).
Points of strength
According to Meridiem Seeds Italia, the Azucar hybrid has unique characteristics that can be appreciated abroad. "We are certain Italian retailers will welcome it too, as it provides continuity after the counter-seasonal Canary melons imported from Brazil and Costa Rica."
Here are its main characteristics:
- uniform round shape
- smooth rind
- weight between 1 and 1.2 kg (5/6 fruits per 30x40 crate) with crunchy flesh and small placental cavity. Appealing external yellow colour in contrast with the salmon/orange flesh
- high Brix level (over 15°)
- excellent shelf-life (over one month)
- ideal for the fresh-cut range, it is well-liked by European consumers and Italians also seem to be responding well.
"We provide businesses with a valid interesting alternative until the imported produce from Central and South America becomes available."
Contacts:
Meridiem Seeds Italia Srl
Stefano Campazzi
Cell.: (+39) 329 8474284