"A week ago we went through very difficult times," begins Mourad Ben Salem, manager of Med'Essor. "With melons, it's all about the climate! The weather in France hasn't been very good lately, so consumption hasn't taken off yet. And yet, in terms of production, the volumes are there. Currently, on the one hand there is the end of Morocco, and on the other hand Spain is starting to come gradually over the last ten days or so. We therefore find ourselves with large quantities of Moroccan melons but also with large volumes from Spain. As a result, supply is far in excess of demand. Adding to that the product quality problems linked on the one hand to the end of the Moroccan harvest, and on the other hand to the beginning of the Spanish season.
A very wide price range
Currently, Mourad points out that "the price range is enormous between the melon from Morocco and that from Spain. Goods that do not hold and that contain a lot of water are sold at very low prices, sometimes reaching 0.20 euro/kilo. While the correct goods have value: for Morocco, prices fluctuate between 0.80 euro and 1.20 euro per kilo. While for Spain, the market ranges from 1.20-1.30 to 2.00 euros per kilo on average. From a general point of view, when you enter the market with a new origin, the prices charged are high. This completely shifts the market.
A situation that should improve
"It was very disturbed last week but now this weekend, the situation is starting to clear up. The coming good weather will boost consumption. We're going to finish Morocco, and Spain is improving in terms of quality. The supermarket distribution is starting to ask us for a lot of Spanish melons, which cleanses the markets a little more. I think we'll find a balance next week," says Mourad.
If the weather holds, the French melon should arrive in about ten days. "But if there is a drop in temperature, it could be delayed for another week.
About Med'Essor
Med'Essor, a wholesaler on the Rungis market, has been in business since 2007. The company acquired the Midiprim' brand, which has existed since the beginning of the Rungis market. It offers four product lines for sale. Those from Tunisia, especially the Maltese from Tunisia, marketed under its own brand Med'Essor. The melon of Moroccan, Spanish and French origin from the Rouge-gorge brand. French-produced apples, pears and cherries sold under the brand name The Dog by Lhorme, and finally a whole range of Spanish products.
For more information:
Mourad Ben Salem
Med'Essor
Rue de Carpentras CP90295
94592 Rungis Cedex
Tel: +33 1 41 80 80 64 60
Cell: +33 6 73 35 37 41
E-mail: medessor@yahoo.fr