Senegalese melons and watermelons are gradually taking over Brazil's place in the European market. The harvest in Senegal is not expected to be great due to the impact of adverse weather and sizes will be small in the first weeks of the season. For the time being, melon and watermelon supply is outstripped by demand.
"We started marketing the first watermelons from Senegal in week 8, and in week 10 we will start with the Piel de Sapo melons," says Jordi Valle, founding partner of Grupo Algitama Autor. "This is the last week in which we'll receive fruit from Brazil," he says. The company produces and sells melon and watermelon all year round, both in Spain and in Brazil and Senegal during the off-season.
Jordi Valle, in Senegal, with some mini watermelons from the new harvest
"Senegal's weather conditions haven't been ideal this year, with very low temperatures at night and very hot during the day. This sharp contrast has led to problems in the fruit setting and will affect yields. Also, while the acreage we devote to these crops is not changing much, in general, it has been reduced, so this year there will be less production available on the market," says Jordi Valle.
According to the grower and marketer, the bad weather will also have an impact on the size of the melons and watermelons. "Sizes will generally be small in the first three or four weeks of the season, but afterward we expect them to recover as the season progresses," he says.
At this time, the watermelon supply from Central America is lower than usual due to the impact of abundant rainfall. "There's also a lower supply of Senegalese fruit, and with Ramadan celebrations starting soon, we are expecting a high demand for watermelon in the European market, as it is a product traditionally consumed for its hydrating and satiating properties. Outside of programs, it will be very difficult to meet the demand for watermelon in the coming weeks," says Jordi Valle.
This year, Grupo Algitama Autor expects a very significant growth in production, both for its Melón de Autor branded melon and its Foodie watermelon, as well as its new Mini Foodie watermelon, weighing between 1.2 and 2 kilos. "Our mini watermelons are an innovative, more sustainable format offering great flavor and quality, and they have become very popular among our retail customers," says the group's founding partner.
For more information:
Jordi Valle
Grupo Algitama Autor
Tel.: +34 643 138 870
jvalle@tropfruits.com
grupoalgitamaautor.com