The Brazilian melon season got off to a good start this year. “Volumes are at a considerably lower level. In weeks 35 and 36, as many as 140 containers less were sent to Europe, which indicates productions are somewhat disappointing in Brazil. This isn’t so much caused by drought, but by the high salinity of the water,” Frank Levarht says. The importer from Aalsmeer, the Netherlands, currently receives the entire melon range, consisting of Galia, Cantaloupe, Charantais, Piel de Sapo, yellow and watermelons.
“The Brazilian melons arrived on an empty market, because Spain finished on time, and this is resulting in good demand for melons. Melon sales are very much dependent on the weather now, but, so far, forecasts are good for the coming week. Sales are just going well, and I expect they’ll continue to do well. Prices are at a level that is profitable for everyone,” Frank continues.
“October and November are crucial months in the world of melons. When prices stabilise at the current level, we could have a very nice December,” Frank expects. “All eyes are on Brazil right now, Israel is the only country that’ll send some Galia melons in coming months, but they’re not a large player. A tendency for small producers to stop exporting can be seen in Brazil, and I think this is good for market development.”
“Another trend is the rise of miniature seedless watermelons. Seed improvement companies are responding to that more and more, but so are we. New this year is that we’re also receiving organic melons from Brazil. Supply from overseas organic melons is still very small-scale, because transit times are a challenge, but we definitely have demand for it from our customers,” Frank concludes.
For more information:
Levarht
Postbus 67
1430 AB Aalsmeer
Tel: +31 (0) 297 386611
Fax: +31 (0) 297 386666
fblevarht@levarht.nl
www.levarht.nl