© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Although harvesting began just a few days ago, optimism is already in the air at Bristol. Tommaso Concari, the technical manager of field production, control, and quality management at the producer organization, offers a positive initial outlook on the smooth melon campaign.
"We started harvesting around the same time as Macfrut, about ten days ago," Concari explains. "Compared to last year, the start has been much better. The warmer, drier weather is stimulating consumption, and sales are responding well. Prices are also up compared to the same period in 2024."
Currently, the season shows a good balance between supply and demand. "We are working with smooth melons from Tuscany, and everything we harvest sells within one or two days at most. We are still in a phase of limited supply, but large retailers and markets in northern Italy are in high demand for the product."
Controlled quality and assessment of yields
In terms of quality, Op Bristol maintains its high standards. "We are very strict with our audits. Each batch is monitored daily before processing and marketing. Any product bearing the Bristol brand is certified and complies with our internal quality specifications."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Yields are a more uncertain variable because they are affected by the rain and flooding that hit some suppliers in February. "The first harvests came from underwater plots. This resulted in the loss of some plants and a reduction in the production area. We will likely see a slight decrease in yields compared to 2024, but the quality remains good, with sizes above one kilogram, even in the initial harvests, which are typically the most delicate.
High prices and the domestic market in the spotlight
Demand is high, and prices remain at satisfactory levels thanks to limited competition. "Currently, we are one of the few suppliers of smooth melons, which allows us to perform well. The product is entirely absorbed by the Italian market. We do not export because we focus on quick, local sales, which guarantee freshness and quality for the end consumer. Due to its characteristics, our melon is not suitable for long transport or storage."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
This year's new products include Lolita, a watermelon variety developed in-house over the course of three years and the result of field testing. "It is a heat-resistant plant with dark skin that protects the fruit from the sun. We expect to have significant quantities available within the next ten days."
New packaging solutions are also being tested: "We are evaluating a box format with one or two fruits, which is more suitable for small markets or for those who want to reduce the use of plastic. Large bins also sell well at the beginning of the season when demand is high, but boxes become more popular in late summer."
Balancing quality
Op Bristol's production philosophy remains the same: Yes to expansion, but without compromising quality. "We have slightly increased the area under watermelons to grow more Lolita, but we are maintaining the same for melons. We don't want to produce in large quantities; it's better to produce less, but to produce it well. It is a delicate fruit that is difficult to grow in the field and that needs to be watered, nurtured, and treated with precision. It requires labor and presence."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Most of the companies associated with Op Bristol are family-owned, small and medium-sized businesses. It is a business model that Concari is proud of: "We call ourselves melon artisans. Every melon carries the work, attention and passion of those who grow it. And we believe that is what sets us apart in the marketplace."
Photos provided by Tommaso Concari
For more information:
O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a.r.l.
Registered office: Via Barbaruta, 2 (Podere n.722), Località Barbaruta - 58100 Grosseto (GR) - Italy
Operational headquarters: Via San Protaso, 23 - 29017 Fiorenzuola d'Arda (PC) - Italy
bristolgroup.it
