This year's melon market is particularly challenging. "We have a close relationship with our Spanish shipper Amador, so we can still get some Piel de Sapo and watermelons. But the supply's very limited and not cheap either," says Willem Dijk Jr of the Dutch company Willem Dijk AGF.
"And then there are only small sizes. You have to pay considerably more for the few large ones that are available. The high prices do put customers off. Immigrant clients, in particular, will more likely choose Italian and Greek watermelons. Those are also quite pricey for the time of year, but those prices aren't as crazy as the Spanish ones."
Willem says a shortage of Spanish watermelon mid-summer is highly unusual. "Until five years ago, at this time of year, Spanish exporters often invited all Dutch traders to load melons. That extravaganza has been toned down somewhat in recent years. However, this year, things did an extreme 180. Even in Spain, many supermarkets reportedly carry no melons. You get the feeling that the situation has improved slightly in the last few days, but the season isn't going to," he concludes.
For more information:
Willem Dijk AGF
2 De Ossenboer
7547 SJ, Enschede, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 534 864 752
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.willemdijk.nl
