"Good market expected for Costa Rican melons"

At the end of January the first Costa Rican melons arrived at Hispa in Barendrecht, Netherlands. Again this year Hispa has a large program of watermelons and yellow melons under trademark Dulce. In addition Cantaloupe, Charentais, Galia, Piel de Sapo and yellow melons are being sold under the exclusive hallmark DELICIA.

The market of Galia melons has been good from the first arrivals. Because of the cold weather in February, the good supply from Costa Rica and the available Brazilian volumes, sales of watermelons and yellow melons were somewhat difficult during the last period, but Miguel Gonzalez is quite optimistic, that because of the nice weather, the market expectations are good. Hispa is expected to have melons from Costa Rica available until the middle of May.

Galia
The supply of Galia-melons remains, according to Miguel, within limits. "There is not too much supply, but there are also no shortages. The supply is the same as last year. Market expectations for the coming period are good, because the volumes from Honduras will decrease sharply. The Galia melons are of good quality."

Cantaloupe
"From the start of the season the Cantaloupe melons have been of very good quality. Supply is at a reasonable level and that results in a moderate price level. But we cannot complain about the sales, because our clients appreciate the quality of the Cantaloupes. Based on the weather of the last few days we expect the market for Cantaloupe melons to improve."

Watermelons
The market for watermelons also experienced a difficult start. A combination of plenty of supply, the cold weather and the Brazilian product, which was plentifully present, made the start of the season difficult. Up to last week when all of a sudden a recovery occurred. Miguel expects the recovery to last.

Yellow melons

The market situation for yellow melons is just about the same as for watermelons. The quality of the yellow melons is as expected, according to Miguel Gonzalez.

Charentais-melons
Two years ago Hispa started the production of the Charentais melons of the variety Agustino RZ, developed by improvement company Rijk Zwaan. "Grower Exporpack produce this melon exclusively for us in Costa Rica" Miguel tells. "Like the Caribbean this variety has an excellent quality and durability, but the taste of the Charentais melon is still better. This melon is for us this season an important attraction!"

For more information:
Miguel Gonzalez
Hispa
Tel: +31 (0)180 67 91 24
Fax: +31 (0)180 67 91 01
www.hispa.nl