Born as a family business in the 1970's, Bruñó initially focused on the production and marketing of vegetables and grapes, subsequently consolidating with citrus for the winter season and melon and watermelon for the summer.
"After several years working in the traditional melon market, we saw there was a niche for high-end products from consumers demanding higher quality and decided to go for it," explains its manager, José Bruñó; ever since, the brand has been recognised by its extra quality both in supermarket chains as well as domestic and export wholesalers, mainly in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy and Scandinavia.
The company supplies melons 365 days a year, importing from countries such as Brazil and Senegal during the off-season and producing and establishing agreements with growers in areas like Murcia, Castellon and Castile-La Mancha during the Spanish season.
According to José Bruñó, the current Spanish melon and watermelon campaigns are marked by an advance of about a fortnight in all production areas compared to last year as a result of the warm temperatures and low rainfall during April and May. Yields per hectare have been larger and there are greater volumes to sell.
"It is also, to date, a better campaign in terms of quality and calibres, although prices at origin are considerably lower due to the higher supply volumes compared to last year."
"The warm temperatures in June led to acceptable sales, while the weather during the first two weeks of July (storms and lower temperatures) had a negative effect in central and northern Spain," he points out.
Consumption of black seedless watermelon considerably increases
As for the balance between melon and watermelon demand, "similar levels to previous years are observed, with normal increases in the case of melon," says José Bruñó.
At the same time, "we can say that the increase in demand for black seedless watermelon has been considerable over the past five years, with an annual sales growth of around 15%. The Bruñó brand is gaining more and more strength in the black seedless watermelon market and our goal is to reach a similar market presence with melons.
Furthermore, "it is easier to make progress in the export market with watermelons than with Piel de Sapo melons, which take longer to be introduced in Europe. Countries like France and Germany are major watermelon consumers when temperatures are high," he says. Bruñó's watermelon sales are equally divided between domestic and export markets.
However, melons cost more to introduce in the export markets and, although slowly, trends are changing. "In the past, the sector tended to think it was not necessary to work with the same quality standards with the melons intended for export, until things started being done properly, little by little resulting in new ways being opened." Bruñó for now devotes 85% of its melons to the domestic market.
Heat is not the only ally of melons and watermelons to boost sales
"Heat is our main client, although there are other extremely important factors, including an excellent flavour, a good presentation at the point of sale and a commitment to marketing campaigns, whether it be on television, tastings, social networks, etc. This is good for us and for our customers," concludes José Bruñó.
For more information:
José Bruñó
Frutas Hermanos Bruñó, S.A.
Calle Barón de Alcahali, 0 S/N
Alcalà de Xivert, Castellón. Spain
T: +34 964 41 03 13
comercial@frutasbruno.com
comunicacion@frutasbruno.com
www.frutasbruno.com