Melon production has been delayed in northern Italy, but the harvest is now underway, and the first quantities are available. "The weather conditions in May slowed down the ripening process," explains Maurizio Carbonini, sales manager of Mantuafruit, "but now we are getting into the swing of things, especially in the Mantua production area."
Yields in the field seem to be decreasing, but the forecast for consumption, especially with the rising temperatures that are purely summerlike, is one of great growth. "There is already an increase in orders, and this will inevitably lead to an increase in prices. We expect demand to exceed availability throughout June and even early July. Fortunately, yields are higher than in 2023, when there was not much melon available. I really don't think we'll have the conditions of last year, but it won't be a full production campaign, at least at the beginning."
The growers' association Mantuafruit also exports abroad, especially to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The supply of Senegalese melons starts in February, followed by Sicilian melons. 
"The Sicilian melon campaign went very well," adds Carbonini, "with excellent product quality and continuity of supply. Prices were also in line with expectations. The Sicilian melon campaign had started well in advance, but everything turned out for the best."
"In northern Italy, production is currently carried out under polytunnels. The first batches of netted PGI melons are on their way, as are the first batches of smooth skin melons. "Although this year will not be a peak production year," concludes the director, "we are hoping for a good campaign."
For more information:
Mantuafruit
Via Retenago 13
46040 Rodigo (MN)
Tel.: +39 0376-650727
Email: [email protected]