The cool spring has postponed the Hungarian melon season, but the market will still see an influx of quality melons and cantaloupes. According to a joint press event by the National Chamber of Agriculture, the Hungarian Vegetable and Fruit Interprofessional Organization (FruitVeB), and the Hungarian Melon Producers Association, Hungarian melons are now entering stores, with bulk supplies expected post-July 10.
Domestic melon production has advanced in variety selection and tech adoption. Traditional varieties are being phased out in favor of grafted and hybrid types, enhancing disease resistance and yield reliability. This aligns domestic production trends with international standards. The use of plastic cultivation is also enabling earlier season starts.
Efficiency gains have allowed production quantities to remain stable despite reduced cultivation areas. As a result, the average yield and crop reliability have improved, retaining the characteristic melon taste while elevating quality. Demand is increasing for smaller, 4-6 kilogram, seedless, and dark-striped 4-8 kilogram melons, with these mostly appearing in supermarket chains. Cantalup and Gália types remain widely favored.
Cold spring weather affected plant growth, delaying the season by two weeks, with limited early melon availability from plastic tent setups. Mid- and late-April open-field plantings suggest simultaneous market entry for larger quantities. Expectations suggest an average yield of 50 tons per hectare, with about 175,000 tons of melons entering the market. While domestic consumption will absorb around 110,000 tons, surplus enables export opportunities.
Source: Trade Magazin
