"This season, we're continuing longer, until mid/end May, with good quality Brazilian and Honduran melons and watermelons. In May, supply from Spain and Italy will also slowly begin arriving, with expected limited quantities and high prices," begins Frank Ocampo (Melon and Watermelon Global Sourcing and Sales, The Greenery).
"We carry a wide melon range from Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Spain, and Italy: Galia, the Charentais and Harper Cantaloupe varieties, Golden Honeydew, and Piel de Sapo (only available until early May). We also have watermelons in all shapes and sizes: from mini to large and seedless to microseeded. We expect good demand with a stable, adequate supply for the next few weeks."
Consistent flavor, quality, and price
"To keep all the retail and trade programs running smoothly, our Brazilan and Honduran growers and we decided to keep going for longer this year. That lets us ensure consistent flavor, quality, and shelf life and stable pricing for as long as possible. That's in line with customer wishes," says Frank.
"In the long run, that's possible only with overseas melons and watermelons. But, to guarantee good delivery once the overseas season is over, too, we work with a fixed number of growers in Almeria, Murcia, and La Mancha in Spain. They grow only the best melon and watermelon varieties. That also applies to our Italian partner growers."
Cooperation with seed houses and breeders
"We work closely with various seed houses and breeders to get the best varieties from each country every year. That applies to flavor, shelf life, and appearance, as well as acreage and growers' yields per hectare. It must ultimately be a win-win situation for the whole chain," Frank explains.
"Also, this season, The Greenery will exclusively present a new Galia melon variety. That's in collaboration with a single seed house and grower. Sales will be exclusive to our regular trade and retail clients in the Netherlands but also abroad."
"Unlike the current traditional Murcia Galia flavored melon, this new variety guarantees size, volume, and weight throughout the production period. An added advantage is that it tastes similar to the traditional Galia melon, only with a better, longer shelf life," says Ocampo.
Enthusiastic reactions to new Galia
"We did numerous trials last season with several buyers. They were enthusiastic about the flavor compared to the current offering. This new Galia variety must meet our long-standing trade and retail customers' needs. I warmly invite the companies that import directly from Spain or via another service provider to come and taste this melon. I'm sure this Galia will trump the traditional variety in all aspects."
Melons in all shapes and sizes
"Melons and watermelons are lovely fruits we can package to meet every client's specific requirements. Our packaging can meet all demands regarding types and sizes for the retail, trade, and fresh-processing sectors. All our melons meet IDH sustainability conditions, too," Frank concludes.
For more information:
The Greenery
1 Spoorwegemplacement
2991 VT, Barendrecht, NL
Email: info@thegreenery.com
Website: www.thegreenery.com