As the spring approaches and the days become longer, the demand for melons is increasing little by little in Spain. At the moment, the Piel de Sapo melons come mainly from Brazil, where companies such as Melon de Autor are growing the fruit during the off-season, since they believe that the conditions in the South American country make it possible to offer a melon with a very similar quality to those produced in Spain.
This year, Melón de Autor has doubled its market share in Spain. "Overall, the European market has received fewer Brazilian Piel de Sapo melons this year, although we have grown considerably, mostly thanks to the fact that we have found new clients and expanded our programs, since we are able to supply a good product at a competitive price," says Jordi Valle, of this company's sales department.
"Until early January, the market has behaved in a more normal way, compared to last year, which was quite disastrous. From mid-January until now, we have had some difficult weeks, since consumption usually falls and sales also slow down at this time of the year," says Jordi Valle.
Melón de Autor's objective is to market the melons from Brazil for as long as possible, avoiding other origins, until the first Spanish melons grown in Almería arrive.
"We want to extend the Brazilian melon season for as long as possible, since it allows us to maintain our brand's reputation, although everything will depend on how the rainy season develops in this country. It has already started to rain and we are concerned. We hope to finish with Brazil in late April and start with the harvest in Almeria in early May, where we have our own greenhouses. It is true that, in general, Almeria has to work on the quality of its melons, due to the premature harvest that takes place in the search for good prices in March and April. We prefer not to take advantage from those prices and harvest the product when it is optimally ripe, since our brand's reputation is at stake. Likewise, we guarantee our growers a decent and profitable price," says Jordi Valle.
The company introduced a new variety from Rijk zwaan during this season's campaign in Castile-La Mancha and Brazil. "This variety has achieved very good results in terms of homogeneity in yields and quality, and that gives us peace of mind when supplying the product to supermarket chains. We always work with the best melon variety at each time of the year. Now, for example, we believe that the best variety to grow in Brazil is the Ricura, by Rijk Zwaan," he concludes.
For more information:
Jordi Valle
Melón de Autor
Calle Paseo del Progreso, 34.
Olesa de Monserrat - Barcelona. Spain
M: +34 643 138 870
jordi_adim@yahoo.es
info@melondeautor.es
www.melondeautor.es