It's a good period for melons and watermelons. Renzo Mainetti, operator at Caab, Centro agro-alimentare di Bologna, reports that, "The high temperatures of the past few days have pushed consumption. Supplies are not excessive and demand is lively, so prices are not bad."
"Smooth melons are rather popular at the moment. As regards watermelons, traditional Crimson, oblong and mini-watermelons are all in demand."
Pino Castrogiovanni, operator at Mercato di Cesena, reports a similar situation. "Quality is excellent, demand is lively and availability is average. At the moment, southern Italy is finishing its supplies and fruit from the north is becoming available (Mantua, Verona, Emilia Romagna). There is some foreign produce from places like Morocco, but quantities are small and quality is not as good as ours, so prices are low."
According to Castrogiovanni, quotations are between €1 and €2 for melons depending on grade and packaging and around €0.50 for watermelons. "These are good prices."
The situation is similar in the northwest of the country. At Mercato di Torino (Caat), packed smooth melons weighing between 750 and 1000 gr are sold at €2. Other types have a slightly lower price, but good nonetheless (from €1.40 to 2/kg). The price of watermelons hovers between €0.40 and €0.50/kg with peaks of €0.75 for Baby watermelons.