Harvesting even in May still in full swing
"In addition there have been problems with melons from Costa Rica and Honduras. But actually it is good that the export from these countries is less than expected, as otherwise problems would even have been more serious," Leon, who earlier this month visited Brazilian melon orchards, says. "But this in any case will have consequences on the worldwide melon market."
Partner shipping
According to the importer Brazil is more and more capable of providing melons all year round, thanks to improved cultivation methods and post-harvest techniques, provided there are no extreme weather conditions. "The cultivation in Brazil becomes more and more efficient and as a result becomes an important competitor of the Central American production countries, where transit also takes from a week to ten days longer. Also the Brazilian volumes will increase further. New areas are constantly being prepared for melon cultivation."
The increasing local economy of course stimulates the local consumption of melons, but according to Leon this is only for the yellow melons and the seedless watermelons. "The Galia, Cantaloupe and Piel de Sapo melons are only grown for export and considerable competition for European productions. I saw myself that the fields are again being prepared now. In the middle of August the first Brazilian melons are expected again in Europe."
Leon will be rather worried in the coming months. "When the weather does not improve all European summer fruit will arrive at the same time. The present weather is also not a stimulant for the consumption and in this way the period in which the money is to be earned, becomes very short."
For more information
Leon van den Hombergh
Frankort & Koning
126, Venrayseweg
5928 RH Venlo
Tel: +31 (077) 389 72 72
Fax: +31 (077) 382 61 34
www.frankort.nl
For more information
Leon van den Hombergh
Frankort & Koning
126, Venrayseweg
5928 RH Venlo
Tel: +31 (077) 389 72 72
Fax: +31 (077) 382 61 34
www.frankort.nl