"Pumpkins, melons, and Perla Nera watermelons are among the protagonists of the upcoming OP Francescon Senegal season," reported President Bruno Francescon. "We manage 300 hectares directly in the African country. The first deliveries of pumpkins are scheduled for the third week of February and should arrive in shops between the 15th and 16th. The first shipments of melons will leave after a few days, while Perla Nera watermelons will arrive between mid-March and the end of April."
Left to right: Maurizio Carbonini, Silvano Chieregati, Bruno Francescon, Alfredo Fincato, and Simone Chiarello at the Francescon stand - Op Mantuafruit
Francescon manages the entire production chain, with facilities that include a 3,000-square-meter warehouse, refrigerated units for post-harvest cooling, loading ramps, and grading machines for product sorting before shipment. Following every step of the process is Daniele Francescon, Bruno's brother and co-owner of the company.
Innovation and quality are at the heart of the 2025 campaign. "This year we have kept the cultivated area almost unchanged, but we have improved farming techniques and invested in organization and production. The campaign is off to a good start also thanks to the high quality of the products."
"The weather at harvesting was ideal for achieving the desired quality parameters. For us, it is essential to plan the production calendar precisely, to anticipate the Italian crops without overlapping."
The pumpkin season that is just starting is looking particularly favorable from a climatic point of view. "The quality of Delica pumpkins is excellent and we are ready to present ourselves on the market with a top product. We have also tested limited quantities of some varieties such as Hokkaido, Reddy, Muscade de Provence, Violina, and Butternut, to offer a wider assortment to our customers."
The first melon shipments to big retail chains are expected between 21 and 23 February (week 8). "The size of the products responds perfectly to the demands of buyers and we are confident that the market will welcome them."
Bruno Francescon
Perla Nera watermelons from Senegal are also getting ready for a promising debut. "The excellent setting and genetic quality of our product guarantee high standards. Fruits should arrive on the Italian market in the fourth week of March. We have slightly increased the cultivated areas compared to last year, thanks to the positive feedback from customers and the solidity of the commercial plans for 2025."
For more information
Mantuafruit
Via Retenago 13
46040 Rodigo (MN)
+39 0376-650727
info@melonifrancescon.it