"Spain: "Yellow melons are an alternative to cut fruit"

The new family models and lifestyles that are gaining ground across most of Europe are having an impact on consumer demands. There is a growing preference for smaller pieces of fruit, as these can be consumed more quickly. Hence the rising demand for Spanish yellow melons in the rest of the continent.

"This variety reaches a maximum of 2 kilos, which makes it ideal to be consumed quickly, without having to save some for another time and preventing the piece from suffering damage and having to throw it away," explains Antonio Gómez, CEO of Hortiquality, Murcia.

At the other extreme is the consumption of Piel de Sapo melon, whose weight ranges from 2 to 4 kilos per piece. This variety is more rooted in countries of southern Europe, where it is traditional to consume it in family gatherings or large groups. However, "I believe that yellow melons could be a good alternative to the half melons that are currently sold in the market, since that would prevent the fruit's handling in the store, with all that this entails," explains Gómez.

This company produces an average of 2,500 tonnes of yellow melons, of which 80% are exported, mainly to England and Germany, although they are also increasingly demanded by other countries, like Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, etc. "At the moment, Spain covers most of the demand for yellow melons in Europe," states Gómez, who explains that Italy is also a producer, but the volume it can offer is not enough to pose a threat to Spain.

The yellow melon campaign started with a price at origin of 0.65 Euro, similar to last year's; however, this week, "without transportation costs included, it stands at about 0.55 Euro," says Gomez, although this price also depends on calibres and presentations.