The watermelon campaign is underway in the Spanish province of Almeria with lower volumes than usual due to the impact of the calima at the beginning of spring. The good weather across almost all of Europe has led to an increase in watermelon demand, so prices at origin are reaching quite high averages for this time of the year.
"We kicked off our watermelon campaign between weeks 14 and 15 with high prices, which is normal, even though exports started slow due to the rain and low temperatures in many European countries," says Loli Rodríguez, Watermelon Sales Manager at Unica Fresh. "This and the predominance of small calibers caused prices at origin to drop in April to about 40 cents."
"However, the rise in temperatures in Spain and, especially, in the countries to which the watermelons are shipped, together with lower yields due to a slight reduction in the acreage and the impact of the calima during the setting phase, has resulted in a significant increase in the demand and prices rising to unusually high levels for this time of year," says Loli Rodríguez. "Campaigns with such prices are very rare."
According to the sales manager of Unica, these high watermelon prices are making up for the low production and allowing growers to cover their expenses and make a profit.
"We don't know for how long can these prices be maintained, but based on the harvest forecasts, it all points to them maintaining a good trend. By mid-June, the watermelon harvest will begin in Murcia, where melon cultivation still predominates over watermelon," says Loli Rodríguez, who also highlights the good quality and high Brix levels they are getting in their farms thanks to the warmer than usual winter.
Unica Fresh annually produces between 30 and 35 million kilos of watermelon across its farms in Almería and, to a lesser extent, in Murcia. Between 30 and 40% of those volumes are allocated to the domestic market, where their brand Freshquita, reserved for their seedless white watermelon varieties, has earned a great reputation. The company is also part of the Fashion Group for the distribution of seedless black watermelon
"Spanish consumers are likely the ones who best understand and appreciate the value of a good watermelon in Europe. Our brand Freshquita enjoys a significant presence and loyalty thanks to the high added value provided by the strict quality protocols that must be met," says Loli Rodríguez. "For export, we ship fruit with a similar taste quality, but generally of smaller calibers."
For more information:
Loli Rodríguez
Unica Fresh
T: +34 950181500
[email protected]
freshquita.es
www.unicafresh.es