During the Fruit Logistica, HillFresh from Barendrecht, The Netherlands, signed an agreement with the Taiwanese plant-breeding company, Known You Seed to sell the Limelon exclusively on the European market. The melon juices are combines with that of the melon with the fresh sour taste of the lime, making it a true addition to the existing range, according to managing director Hans van den Heuvel.
Geerten van Luttikhuizen and Hans van den Heuvel at the kick-off of the Limelon
"Last season we cultivated this melon in Spain for the first time and the reactions from our customers were so good that we decided to triple the cultivation in Murcia this year, which means we will have more commercial volumes at our disposal this summer. In addition, we have had trials in many overseas production areas to be able to offer the Limelon all year round. These prospects are also very good. For example, we are currently sourcing this melon from Costa Rica," says Geerten van Luttikhuizen, who is responsible for the overseas melon import within HillFresh.
"The Limelon is a very sweet melon - we control a brix of 14 - but at the same time the freshness of the lime provides a completely different taste experience than do the existing melons in the market. In addition, the Limelon combines that with an excellent shelf life, "says Geerten.
"Quite a few new melon varieties have been introduced to the market in recent years, but not all differed too much from the existing varieties. This melon has a very different taste pattern and I expect that this melon can help lift the entire melon category to a higher level. I have no doubt that the Limelon will be a keeper on the market ", Hans concludes.
For more information:
HillFresh
Geerten van Luttikhuizen
T: +31(0)180-898060
[email protected]
www.hillfresh.eu