Dutch wholesale company, Global Producers, has been harvesting and loading melons in Costa Rica for the last three weeks now. These melons include all the varieties from yellow melons to Galia, Cantaloupe, mini-watermelons, and Piel de Sapo.
"The weather was excellent during the growth and harvesting periods. The yields and quality are, in turn, just as good", says Rolf Weber. "Compared to last year, exports are about 20% higher than the average or planned volumes."
"We expect market prices to recover in the coming weeks. This is because, at the start of the rainy season, the quality of melons from Brazil was not great. These Brazilian melons are now no longer being shipped unless it is as second class or for street vendors", he continues.
"On average, Central America started three to four weeks early with watermelons. This early start is because the rainy season in Panama and the south of Costa Rica ended at its usual time this year. This is in contrast to the two previous years."
"We are, therefore, also expecting larger volumes from Panama and Costa Rica from the end of February. The should also be a continuous supply. A lot of watermelon was planted. This was done in the hope of a repeat of the past year's good weather and high sales figures. The acreage of Honeydew, Galia, Cantaloupe, and Piel de Sapo melons in Costa Rica is, however, a little less than last year", concludes Rolf.
For more information:
Rolf Weber
Global Producers B.V.
136 B Venrayseweg
5928 RH Venlo
Tel: +31 (0) 774 658 100
Fax: + 31 (0) 773 874 818
Rolf@global-producers.nl
www.global-producers.nl