Last year the Dutch company, HillFresh, introduced the Limelon to the European market. The reaction to this new melon was very positive. This year, Spanish cultivation has, therefore, been tripled. The season has started in Almeria. From week 26, the first volumes from Murcia will come onto the market too. "People got to know Limelons last year. Demand is now bursting forth," says Geerten van Luttikhuizen.
At Fruit Logistica, HillFresh signed an agreement with the Taiwanese breeding company, Known You Seed. This was to exclusively sell the Limelon on the European market. This melon combines a melon's juiciness and a lime's tartness. "It not just a different Galia or Cantaloupe. It is a truly new melon. Our retail clients were good. They are happy to finally have something new to put on their shelves."
"Limelons are very sweet - they have a Brix level of 14 - but with a lime's tartness at the same time. That ensures a whole different flavor profile. Different from the existing melons on the market. The Limelon also has an excellent shelf life," says Geerten. "We have now done trials in Brazil, Senegal, and Costa Rica. Spain, however, forms the most important season. We go through to the end of August/start of September with these melons from Murcia. We then switch to the Brazilian season."
"We sell Limelons to retailers throughout Europe. It is great to see what this new melon is unleashing. The Limelon is, for example, being widely shared on social media. Luxury wholesalers are also buying well. We expect demand to come from the foodservice sector again too. This is due to the easing of the anti-corona measures," concludes Van Luttikhuizen.
For more information:
Geerten van Luttikhuizen
HillFresh
Tel: +31 (0 )180 898 060
Email: geerten@hillfresh.eu
Website: www.hillfresh.eu