Last week, Rolf Weber of Global Producers traveled to Costa Rica to witness firsthand the impact of the ongoing weather issues affecting all melon exports to Europe. "Hopes for an end to the persistent weekly rainfall that has plagued Costa Rica since November have not materialized," he said.
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"All of Central America remains affected, with the southern zone—including Panama, northern Colombia, and southern Costa Rica up to the Cordillera—being hit the hardest. The so-called Humboldt Current effect, which influences global weather patterns, occurs roughly every seven years. During this phenomenon, it rains almost continuously throughout the dry season, and between February and April, it is also cold and rainy in Mediterranean countries and South Africa. In contrast, northern Europe and North America experience a warm spell from mid-March to mid-May."
© Global Producers BV
"The crop and harvest situation for all melon varieties—watermelons, mini-watermelons, honey melons, as well as Galia and Cantaloupe melons—continues to deteriorate. Losses due to rain and cold are leading to approximately 50% lower yields for Galia and Cantaloupe melons, while watermelons and mini-watermelons are down by 30–40%," Rolf explains.
© Global Producers BV
"This downturn is worsened because the fruit sizes are larger due to increased humidity, and the usual Brix levels are not being achieved. As a result, the export season will end with the main volumes two weeks earlier, in export weeks 14/15, instead of the usual weeks 16/17. This overall situation confirms my January assessment that a challenging Central American melon season lies ahead, marked by significant fluctuations in both volume and price, with April shaping up to be a particularly difficult sales month in Europe."
For more information:
Rolf Weber
Global Producers
Venrayseweg 136 B
5928 RH Venlo
+31 77 465 81 00
Rolf@global-producers.nl
www.global-producers.nl