After the peaks of €1.50 per kg in June, coinciding with the first open-field harvesting operations and high temperatures, the watermelon market has now somewhat stabilised, with figures that are still satisfactory of between €0.40 and €0.50 per kg. "The downside is the yields, which are lower than expected," comments Antonio Morselli, a producer from the Modena province with 40 hectares of open fields.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
The Gross Saleable Production (GSP) will only be assessed at the end of the campaign, when prices, although currently high, will have to be multiplied by the tons produced. "These days, quotations are decreasing due to the falling temperatures, but there are already signs of recovery from both the thermometer and the price lists. In general, both the grades and the quality are good, without any particular peaks."
Morselli is the owner of the Anguria di Modena brand and sells to both wholesale markets and the big retail chains. Watermelons are placed in single-fruit or two-fruit crates, bins, or carton bins. "We take the utmost care and carry out in-house brushing, washing, grading, and packaging. We only pick the best fruit during 3-4 operations."
"If the season continues without any particular weather problems, we will harvest watermelons for the entire month of August. And, to people telling me that all watermelons are the same, I reply that a quality product knows how to stand out thanks to its flavour and crunchiness."
For more information
Modena watermelon
Morselli Dr Antonio
Via Gallerana 28, 41030
Staggia di San Prospero (Modena) - Italy
[email protected]
www.anguriadimodena.com
