Spain: Gwanipa melon promising

Melons are available throughout the year, but the largest supply takes place in June, July and August. in the summer months, melons come in from various countries around the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Israel. A fairly new Spanish melon is the Gwanipa. This melon was developed by Syngenta Seeds and has been on markets for two years now. Carles Deulofeu, closely involved in innovative products like Gwanipa in Spain, notes that the item is still in an introductory phase. "Gwanipa is produced under strict control in Spain, currently around 500 tons being supplied annually. We expect production to expand significantly in the coming years, though output will likely remain modest.”

In a valley near Valencia, in the middle of a national park, Kernel grows the Gwanipa melon for Smeding. Because it is a protected area, the grower only uses natural crop protection.

This season, the melons were sold at several large supermarkets in Europe, namely Edeka in Germany, ICA in Scandinavia and Migros in Switzerland. Also some catering suppliers in the Netherlands and Germany sell Gwanipa. Gwanipa’s selling points include the special flavour. The melon has a refreshingly sour taste, which comes close to limes. Carles is fully aware this is directly challenging the traditional view of melon markets, which prefer the sweetness of regular melons. “Nevertheless, we have good hopes for this melon, because it's the taste that allows Gwanipa to stand out."

Smeding on Gwanipa
In 2012, Smeding Groenten en Fruit included the new melon variety from Spain in its range for the first time. "Sales are increasing gradually. The unique taste makes this melon truly unique in its kind. Customers are already inquiring for it,” says Smeding.

carles.deulofeu@syngenta.com
ppasma@smeding.nl