The Dutch company, Zoutewelle's Costa Rican melon package consists of yellow melons and watermelons - as was the case last year. "Storms delayed the first shipments. But, that did not negatively affect the market. At the start, the yellow melons were still hampered by the Brazilian supply, which depressed prices. The watermelon season, however, started on a high note. The seedless watermelon trend is continuing, unabated. However, since the market is so positive, we can currently sell a lot of the Quetzali variety, too," says Bertus Schipper.
"Watermelon prices have now normalized a little again. They are going for €0.80 to €0.90/kg, which are still good prices. The market price for yellow melons - which have some quality issues - are at around €7 or €8. The quality of this week's arrival of yellow melons is expected to be better. The Brazilian season is progressing well now, but these melons will be off the market next week," expects Bertus. According to him, the Coronavirus' impact on the import trade is noticeable in the wholesale market orders. These are lower because the hospitality industry is quieter.
In other years, Zoutewelle imported Brazilian Piel de Sapo melons too. But, this year, these did not measure up with regard to quality. That was due to the excessive rain in that country. "There is high demand there are hardly any available. The Galia and Caneloupe markets are going well but we do not participate in these."
"There is limited competition from other countries of origin. Panama came onto the market last week but does not yet have the volumes. These melons will immediately be followed by those from Senegal. And at the end of April/ beginning of May, the first Spanish melons will enter the market again," the importer concluded.
For more information:
Bertus Schipper
Zoutewelle
140 Handelsweg
2988 DC Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 642 364
Email: bertus.schipper@zoutewelle.com
Website: www.zoutewelle.com