Melon exports from the Brazilian state of Ceara have registered a strong increase during the first half of 2020, totaling 14 million dollars, i.e. 133% more than the 6 million dollars achieved in the same period of last year.
"Melon producers expect exports will increase by more than 10% by the end of 2020," the regional government stated.
Agricola Famosa, the largest producer company in Ceara, increased its export volume by 67% and despite the drought, it is expected to sell 150,000 tons of melons abroad this year, exceeding the 135,000 tons in 2019. The projection is due, in part, to the fact that Spain, the main European producer, had difficulty in hiring labor for its melon crops as a result of the pandemic, the Government of Ceara stressed.
In the previous season, Brazil exported 200,000 tons of melon, mainly to the European Union, the United States, Russia, Chile, and Uruguay. The state of Ceara, together with Rio Grande do Norte, produce 99% of the country's melon.
Source: Efe / eldiario.es