The honeydew melon season in Hainan, China, is drawing to a close. Despite challenges brought by last year's super typhoon and an uncertain market environment, this season has seen an increase in export volume. According to Joy Wang, head of (Shangmi) Hainan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., growers who emphasized technical improvements and optimized varieties achieved stronger market returns, driven by superior product quality. Honeydew melon remains the company's flagship product, and Wang shared insights into this season's performance and the broader development trends.
"Typhoon Makar, which struck Hainan last year, posed a significant challenge to our planting infrastructure, land conditions, and overall crop management strategies," Wang explained. "It had a noticeable impact on the yield of the first batch of melons. At the same time, from a market perspective, weak consumer demand and the downturn in the imported cherry market also affected sales."
"The market performance has been highly polarized. While the overall demand is not as strong as in previous years, melons with clear quality and brand advantages are still able to command favorable prices. Growers who prioritize planting technology, focus on optimizing varieties, and adopt more flexible sales models have also seen good returns."
On the export front, Hainan's honeydew melon exports have increased this year, with major destinations including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada, the United States, and Dubai. The primary exported varieties include Xizhoumi, 86 King, and cantaloupe. However, Joy pointed out that logistics remain a key challenge: "Transit time and transport conditions directly impact the quality of honeydew melons upon arrival. We need better logistical solutions to maintain freshness and extend shelf life, which will be key to strengthening the global competitiveness of Hainan's honeydew melons."
Looking ahead, Joy emphasized the importance of product differentiation and variety optimization in meeting consumer needs. "There are generally two taste profiles in the honeydew melon market: soft and crisp. Sugar content, crispness, and flavor are the core attributes that shape consumer preference. Future product selection will be increasingly based on these criteria. On the production side, variety selection must also consider yield per hectare, disease resistance, and buyer demand, especially from direct procurement channels."
She added, "Each breeding company is engaged in annual variety selection, evaluating new varieties through trial plantings, market testing, and commercial evaluation. Additionally, the Hainan Watermelon and Melon Experimental Station conducts an annual program at year-end to introduce and screen new varieties, ensuring the continuous supply of high-quality options for the local industry."
(Shangmi) Hainan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. focuses primarily on honeydew melons, while also offering Guifei mangoes and pineapples under its brand "Xiyu Huaguoshan."
