Brazilian exporters have managed to maintain their presence in Europe, supplying markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia.
"Brazil Melon has 1,200 hectares devoted to melon and watermelon cultivation, and it exports between 1,150 and 1,200 containers a year. 70% of its production corresponds to melons and the other 30% to watermelons. In 2024, its production volume grew by 17% and it expects another 5 to 10% growth in 2025, despite logistical and weather-related challenges," said Francisco Vieira and Gabriel Vieria, President and Commercial Director, respectively, of Brazil Melon.
"Furthermore, market conditions have been favorable for watermelons due to the fact that Spain finished its season earlier than expected, leaving a gap for the Brazilian production. We arrived at an empty European market, so watermelon prices stayed at good levels," they say. However, competition from Honduras and Costa Rica remains a key factor, especially in the second half of the season.
Despite good production and demand, there have been significant logistical challenges. "For three years, we have been facing difficulties with shipping, but 2024 has been the worst year in terms of delays. We had 16 weeks in a row with delays of up to 14 days. These delays took a toll on the quality of the product and caused significant losses, with claims to the shipping lines still in dispute," they say.
According to growers and exporters, consumer preferences have evolved in recent years, with a greater demand for smaller fruit. "Mini melons are becoming more popular, as are smaller melons. We've seen significant growth in these categories and we are constantly working on developing new varieties to meet this demand," they say.
The weather has also brought some challenges this season, with higher temperatures and lower humidity leading to a greater incidence of pests. "To tackle this problem, Brazil Melon has developed its own biofactory that produces beneficial fungi and bacteria for pest control without the need for chemicals. We are the only melon company in Brazil with an international zero residue certificate," said Francisco and Gabriel.
They have opted for precision agriculture to improve efficiency in the use of resources. "We have reduced water consumption by 30% with the implementation of automated irrigation systems that allow us to measure the soil's water requirements in real-time," they say. "Such measures aren't just optimizing costs, but also helping meet the demands of European markets in terms of sustainability."
"We are constrained by logistical challenges and labor availability in Brazil, but we continue working to maintain our position in the market," they say.
For more information:
Francisco Vieira and Gabriel Vieria
Brazil Melon
Tel.: +55 84 3323 8516 / +55 84 99115 5175
gabrielvieira@brazilmelon.com
www.brazilmelon.com