The current watermelon situation is varied, prices depend a lot on quality and origin and supermarkets have already introduced special offers.
"I have noticed that the prices paid to producers vary a lot, from a minimum of 22 eurocents for the produce with a lower quality to €1.30 for the top of the range. I know of a company based in Mantua that only leaves 2-3 fruits per plant and obtains watermelons of the highest quality," reports operator Daniele Berardi from Romagna.
Berardi boasts 47 years of experience in the fresh produce segment. "Of course not everyone can afford watermelons that are paid €1.30 in the field and whose prices increase thee or four times in stores. As for the produce with a lower quality, I have seen watermelons sold in Latina at 32 eurocents, but I know of some who have shipped at 27 eurocents."
Watermelons from the Ferrara area are usually in the middle. "They are currently paid 35-42 eurocents to producers and quality is good."
In the meantime, supermarkets started with the special offers. Eurospin began at 39 eurocents per kg, though at least these are ethical figures far away from the 1 eurocent of the past few years.