"Due to the bad weather in Spain destroying many mini-watermelon crops, demand from the foreign and domestic retail channel has shifted to Italy. Quotations have increased, but the produce is not enough to meet demand," reports Alberto Nocera, president of Agrieuropa in Terracina (Latina).
"In general, the 2023 watermelon campaign started towards May 10th and 20th respectively for mini-watermelons and oblong watermelons. The start was somewhat uncertain due to the abnormal weather that swept Europe and demand was low, as the ideal conditions to favor consumption were lacking. Despite the limited availability, supply seemed excessive as there were very few consumers. At the moment, demand is higher abroad, as domestic demand seems somewhat more shy."
For this campaign, Agrieuropa maintained the same plans of last year, with around 400 hectares of open fields and covered crops.
"This year, retailers are requesting watermelons with a Brix level of at least 10+, and luckily we are managing to satisfy this request."
Agrieuropa boasts 4 grading lines and 2 weight-price labelers, so it welcome all requests from Italy and abroad.
"The watermelon campaign should end in early September, and we are hoping prices will remain similar to the current ones not to work at a loss, also because we are expecting volumes to be at least 40% lower this year due to the unstable weather."
For further information:
Agrieuropa Soc. Coop. Agr.
S.S. 148 Pontina Km 97,700
04019 Terracina (LT) Italy
+39 0773 756158
+39 0773 756408
[email protected]
www.agrieuropa.it