EU: Less Galia melons expected in coming weeks

This summer the melon market was mainly characterized by too much production and bad weather conditions. According to Miguel Gonzalez of Hispa, The Netherlands, the sales are going slightly better at the moment. "I expect less volumes in coming weeks, mainly from the Galia melon. The yellow melons will still be in sufficient supply. Luckily the quality of the Spanish melons is fine."

The manager of Hispa says that the prices of the yellow melons are at a reasonable level at the moment. "For the Galia melons we would like to realise higher prices, but in reality that is lacking at the moment. The first Galia melons from Brazil will arrive at the end of this month and that's two weeks later than last year."

But Miguel isn't completely unsatisfied about the fruit sales this summer. "We can't complain. All in all, a lot was sold." The importer calls the development that Spain is going through with white, seedless grapes exceptional. "The Spanish cultivations has gone through a real turn of professionalism with good seedless varieties, which are available until mid November."

In the area of stone fruit Miguel thinks the increase in the sales of flat peaches and nectarines is remarkable. "We are now selling a lot more of the Paraguayo's than two or three years ago. Mainly the Russian buyers love these products and that's not strange, because they taste better and are easier to consume that regular peaches."

For more information:
Miguel Gonzalez
Hispa
Tel: +31 (0)180 67 91 24
Fax: +31 (0)180 67 91 01
www.hispa.nl