Supermarkets are slow to promote melons at the moment. Suppliers on the melon market now have to contend with this. This is according to Leon van den Hombergh. He is the Commercial Director at Frankort & Koning in Venlo, the Netherlands.
"There are emerging products. These include avocados, blueberries, and raspberries. They are alternatives with increasing global production. These products are taking over a part of the market."
"The Spanish vegetable season started early this year too. At the same time, the Northwestern European season lasted longer. Then, cucumbers, rather than melons, are put on sale. On the other hand, there is less pressure from mandarins this year. This could benefit melons," says Leon.
He does, however, expect more melons on store shelves as Christmas nears. "There is ample supply, and enough is still coming in. Prices are normal for November. Unfortunately, November is famous for low prices. One advantage is that there are not as many melons as in other years."
"The Galia and Cantaloupe market is sitting at a €5 - €6 level. Yellow melons are selling for around €7. And watermelons for €0,60 - €0,70. Add the increased transportation costs to this, and no-one in the melon world is happy," continues Leon.
"But I think the worst prices are now behind us. The usual pattern is that melon prices start rising toward Christmas. Mild weather would be very welcome too."
For more information
Leon van den Hombergh
Frankort & Koning
126 Venrayseweg
5928 RH Venlo, NL
Tel: +31 (077) 389 72 72
Fax: +31 (077) 382 61 34
l.vdhombergh@frankort.nl
www.frankort.nl