The decline in logistics costs and unusually warm weather in the autumn months have boosted the demand for Piel de Sapo melon and watermelon during the off-season in Spain and given an impulse to the growing trend towards the year-round consumption of these products.
"We have been marketing our Brazilian Piel de Sapo melons and watermelons since the first week of October. So far, we have had a good supply, without any peaks with the potential to destabilize prices, and with acceptable quality," says Jordi Valle, partner of Grupo Autor, which has its own farms in Brazil and Senegal to be able to supply during the off-season.
"While high logistics costs last year took a heavy toll on the demand, this year we are noticing an increase in melon and watermelon consumption, as sea freight has become considerably more affordable. Also, the unseasonal heat of October and November has given a boost to the consumption of these products," says Jordi. "We are very satisfied, as our sales volumes have increased significantly," he says.
According to the producer and marketer, "Piel de Sapo melons are increasingly consumed all year round. Many of those who enjoy melons in July do so also in January. Watermelon is more strongly associated with the heat, but it is also slowly gaining ground in the autumn and winter months."
"We have increasingly greater capacity to offer continuity in the supply to our customers throughout the year. The weather is becoming highly unstable, adverse and unpredictable and costs have skyrocketed, and that's an issue that is here to stay. We already saw that in July, when many producers and exporters ran out of supply due to the effects of storms and heatwaves. Only those with planned and diversified productions were able to continue supplying retailers," says Jordi Valle.
"Becoming a specialist in the production and marketing of melon and watermelon is very important and the sector is undergoing a major restructuring process, also due to the purchase of large, brand-oriented companies by venture capital funds in recent years," says the founding partner of Grupo Autor. "The business is falling into the hands of those specialist companies that can handle a complete production cycle throughout the year, and the geographical diversification of crops plays an important role," he says.
"With our Melón de Autor and Sandía Foodie brands, we are facing the months of January and February with great optimism. In March we'll start with Senegal and, at the end of April, with our Spanish production," says Jordi Valle.
For more information:
Jordi Valle
Melón de Autor
Calle Paseo del Progreso, 34
Olesa de Monserrat - Barcelona. Spain
M: +34 643 138 870
jvalle@tropfruits.com
info@melondeautor.es
www.grupoautor.es