Jean-Pascal Scardigli has specialized in the production of early melons for several years. This niche market can count on a loyal clientele. "We plant 3 hectares of melons in tunnels to get ahead of the season. If all goes well, we will harvest our first yellow Charentais melons in early May. We never have trouble selling the produce from our 3 hectares, as we have a very loyal clientele of specialized retailers who have been buying from us for about thirty years, and who are looking for French melons at this time of year."
Jean-Pascal sells his entire production on the French and Swiss markets. "Thanks to these clients, we do not feel the immediate need to expand our sales flow, although we are always on the lookout for new clients interested in promoting our product. At the moment, this remains a niche market, given the strong competition from Morocco and Spain during this period. The production of early melons is very labor-intensive, which inevitably has an impact on the selling price. It is therefore vital that we get the most out of our harvest."
The harvest looks promising, thanks to good planting conditions. "We planted 1 hectare a week during the first 3 weeks of February. The last hectare reached full flowering under very rainy conditions and with a lack of light but so far, the plantings have benefited from optimal conditions, which has enabled good rooting. We had a lot of sunshine at the end of February/beginning of March, temperatures were very mild for the season and the greenhouses quickly warmed up. Conditions were therefore ideal, and we are now waiting for the good weather to return and hold so that the melons can continue to grow well."
For more information:
JP Scardigli et Fils
Phone: +33 (0)6 18 61 11 28
scardigli.jp@orange.fr