Run-up melon season
The melon season had not the best run this winter. "Actually, you could say that the Brazilian season could not have been worse," affirms Paul Ringelberg. "Because of the drought, prospects pointed to the same volume being shipped, but Brazil exported two to three times more watermelons to Europe than last year and twice as many yellow melons. The poor economy in Brazil meant that the local market was not so good as in past years, and this led to an oversupply on the European market; furthermore, the quality was not ideal."
In the meantime, the melon supply has stabilised. "About the same volumes are expected from Costa Rica, but it is still to be seen whether this will be the case. So far, the weather has been good and this should result in good volumes and quality. There is some supply from Honduras and Panama, but for now a good market is expected," continues Rob Bras. Normally, the Costa Rican melon season ends in mid-May. The first watermelons from Panama of the Dulce brand are expected in early March. This season will last approximately until late May.
There are hardly any changes when it comes to varieties, according to Paul. "Every year, new varieties are tested in Costa Rica, but in recent years this has not led to major changes. We sell the melons mainly to retailers in Northern Europe, which demand mostly watermelons, yellow melons and Galias. We have observed increases in melon sales towards the foodservice, but the development of this activity is actually still in its infancy."
Rainforest Alliance
This summer, SFG Dulce has received the Rainforest Alliance sustainability certificate. "With this, we ensure that the crop meets the standards for a sustainable protection of the ecosystem, as well as fair working conditions," explains Marimar Hernández Martín. "We were already the first to receive this certificate for our pineapple production in Costa Rica and now we are again playing a leading role with melons."
"Melons are an intensive crop with a short production cycle. If the crop is not properly looked after, the environment can potentially suffer irreparable damage. The impact, in this sense, is all the greater because the agricultural areas are often in vulnerable locations, near rivers," continues Marimar. "We are proud that SFG Dulce, led by Susan Hoekstra in Costa Rica, has achieved this milestone, which is also perceived as an advantage for our retail customers. We are hopeful that customers will appreciate our efforts in sustainable farming and that they choose to purchase certified melons from Dulce."
For more information:
Paul Ringelberg
Staay-Hispa
Tel: 0180-679100
paul.ringelberg@staay-hispa.nl
www.staay.nl