"We hope good weather and the World Cup will give consumption a boost"

The Granada-based cooperative, which is specialised in the production of organic fruits and vegetables, started growing small-sized yellow and Piel de Sapo melons last year. The fruit is available between June and late July. "We ship the melons mainly to France and Germany, as well as to the domestic market. Since we don't handle large volumes, we are able to harvest the fruit always at the optimum point of ripeness and with high Brix degrees," says Fernando Martín.

According to the exporter, the sales of vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers are currently quite slow. "This usually happens at this time of the year, as we have to face the competition of local productions from central and northern Europe. For years, exporting tomatoes and cucumbers in summer has been becoming increasingly difficult; however, this does not apply to melons, and that's why we are betting on this product. We hope that the good weather in Europe and the World Cup will give consumption a boost."