Cooperativa Agricola San Tommaso in Licata, in the province of Agrigento, is already in the middle of the Cantalupo melon harvesting campaign. According to quality control manager Vincenzo Marrali, despite a few episodes of rain, the favourable climatic conditions have favoured an optimal vegetative development of the plants without nutritional deficiencies. This resulted in an abundant and high quality production. "The quality of the product was also confirmed by the buyers of an Italian supermarket chain, who visited our fields and expressed very positive opinions."
From a commercial point of view, Marrali expects May to be a positive month. The prices of Cantalupo melons are, in fact, above the historical average, and with the expected rise in temperatures from 1 May, demand is expected to strengthen further.
Mini watermelon: Slow start, but growing prospects
As far as mini watermelons are concerned, harvesting began about eight days ago, with the first shipments already being sent out last Saturday. The start of sales was initially slow, as it was affected by adverse weather conditions and a lack of consumer willingness to buy due to the cloudy weather.
However, the weather is expected to improve any day now. Demand for mini watermelons is therefore already picking up.
In terms of volumes, Marrali reports that production will be in line with previous years despite the slightly smaller cultivated area due to difficulties encountered during winter. "From a production point of view, however, the yields per hectare are very good, confirming the quality of the harvest."
For more information
Cooperativa Agricola San Tommaso
Cda Tenutella
S.S. 626 Carrubba exit
92027 Licata (AG) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0934 1958001
Fax: +39 0934 1958003
[email protected]
www.coopsantommaso.it