Melon and watermelon sales aren't great at the moment. "That's entirely due to the weather, which is unusual for the end of May," says Jacob Aktalan of MG Fruit in the Netherlands. "Fortunately, the forecast looks better. I think the market will definitely pick up, hopefully, sooner than later."
"The weather sells melons, so the market's more difficult across the board. Watermelon prices are between €0.50 and €0.60. Good size Galias are selling for €4 or €5. But the small sizes are going for between €2 to €2.50. Cantaloupe melons remain reasonably priced at around €5."
"There are now hardly any overseas melons on the market. That season went well except for the end. That's because Spain started early this year. Supermarkets switched early when prices started equalizing. That resulted in a drop in overseas melon demand. But, overall, we're certainly not dissatisfied," says Jacob.
"We're expecting quite large volumes from Spain. Last year was, of course, a great year. Following such a year, farmers often plant more melons. There are generally enough challenges. If the European weather's similar to last year, we'll have no problem marketing these extra volumes."
According to Jacob, Fashion watermelons are always in demand. "These are black on the outside and bright red on the inside. They're priced slightly higher than the standard varieties. But the specialists are always happy to work with these," he concludes.
For more information:
Jacob Aktalan
MG Fruit
90-E Selderijweg
2988 DG, Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 745 474
Mob: +31 (0) 612 676 257
Email: jacob@mgfruit.nl
Website: www.mgfruit.nl