Even though the warm weather has not yet fully taken hold in Northwestern Europe, the melon market is remarkably good. "In fact, for overseas melons, it's the best year in a very long time. These are running out and in short supply everywhere. The boats arrive to an empty market, and for now, demand remains good," says melon specialist Jacob Aktalan of MG Fruit in the Netherlands.
The first Spanish melons are arriving, but according to Jacob, thanks to shortages, are not yet in the overseas melons' way. "Prices are great at the moment. Overseas Quatzali watermelons sell for around €1.40/kg, and seedless ones even for roughly €1.50. Depending on the size, those from Spain even reach €1.70."
"Other melons are well-priced too. For Cantaloupes from Costa Rica and Honduras, prices are about €14/€15 for 5 kg, and for yellow melons, the same, but for 10 kg," Jacob explains. "Honduran Galia melons are priced in the €10 region. And although the weather here is still chilly, there's good market demand, particularly in Germany. Plus, it's only getting warmer."
MG Fruit will get the first bins of watermelons from Morocco in the first week of May (week 18). "The Spanish supply will also keep increasing, and the last produce from Costa Rica and Panama has yet to arrive. So, the market might become slightly more depressed, but the melons have arrived in an empty market so far. Those from Spain aren't a threat to the Cantaloupe and yellow melons anyway. It's generally a satisfactory season for producers and overseas importers alike," Jacob concludes.
For more information:
Jacob Aktalan
MG Fruit
90-E Selderijweg
2988 DG, Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 745 474
Mob: +31 (0) 612 676 257
Email: jacob@mgfruit.nl
Website: www.mgfruit.nl