The Spanish summer fruit season is in full swing at MG Fruit. "We're seeing a strong melon market. Yellow melons, for example, are selling very well. Availability is limited, and yellow melons are fetching prices of 14–15 euros for 12–13 kilos," says Jacob Aktalan. "Galia melons are now transitioning from Almeria to Murcia, and those sales are also going reasonably well, with prices around 8–9 euros. The Piel de Sapo market is also performing strongly at the moment. Prices vary widely, but the average is around 15–16 euros."
"The only melon type that lagged behind for quite a while is Spanish watermelon. There was virtually no demand in recent weeks, partly because overseas supply was still lingering due to delayed containers, so buyers overlooked Spain for a long time. In the meantime, we're seeing a rising market. Prices are between 90 cents and 1 euro, and with the current weather forecast, we expect continued upward movement," says the importer. Yellow watermelons are also seeing growing demand. "A few years ago, only a select group of customers bought yellow watermelons, but now they are appreciated more widely."
According to Jacob, melon production in Spain is progressing well. "We're not seeing any major production gaps, and supply is steady." The market is also looking good for Spanish stone fruit, according to his colleague Wesley de Waal. "Spanish apricot production is picking up a bit more now. Large sizes are available, and prices are firm at around 14–15 euros. For Paraguayos, we expect a dip in supply. The current price for the larger sizes is around 12–13 euros, but that will certainly go up."
"Peaches and nectarines, after a tough start to the season with high prices, are now sufficiently available and are being well absorbed by the market, especially with the current weather. There is particularly strong demand for large sizes, although there aren't many of those," Wesley says. "It has also been a good season for Spanish cherries, with beautiful dark, large-sized fruit. We market those under our premium brand Ama, and customers keep coming back for them. We certainly can't complain about the prices so far either, even though Dutch cherries are now appearing on the market. Still, the current temperatures are driving good consumption."
For more information:
Jacob Aktalan / Wesley de Waal
MG Fruit
Selderijweg 90-E
2988 DG Ridderkerk
Tel: +31 (0)180 745474
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.mgfruit.nl