Almeria's melon and watermelon campaign has already started with the harvest of the earliest varieties. However, at the moment, volumes are still limited. Producers expect a higher production than in the previous season and, at the moment, the fruits' quality is good.
“We are already harvesting the first watermelon farms and have very positive expectations,” stated Imanol Almudí, CEO of Grupo Agroponiente. “In general, the area planted with melons and watermelons is somewhat higher than last year, and that is also our case,” he added.
"According to forecasts, there will be a higher production volume compared to last year and a significant increase in quality because this year's production has not been affected by the effects of last season's haze or rainfall," Imanol Almudí stated.
Drought is becoming one of the main concerns for the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector. "There is no doubt that the weather situation affects production, especially in terms of crop development. However, producers in Almeria are used to facing this type of situation and still being able to produce a quality product," Imanol stated.
Grupo Agroponiente produces and markets 45,000 tons of watermelon a year. This is its fourth most important product by volume and the company mainly focuses on producing black watermelon, especially seedless varieties, including Fashion, and white seedless watermelon. In addition, Agroponiente produces about 6,500 tons of melons per year. The company mainly produces Piel de Sapo melons, but they also market Galia, Cantaloup, and Yellow melons.
Agroponiente's watermelons are mainly distributed in Europe, with exceptionally good markets in Germany, the Scandinavian and Baltic countries, Poland, the Netherlands, and the national market.
For more information:
Grupo Agroponiente
victor@presssport.es
agroponiente.com