After four years of field trials, the first commercial campaign of the orange-fleshed watermelon Sanditos is now underway, and the product is being greatly accepted by those who try it. Its supply is still limited, but it is expected to grow in the coming years.
"Although it doesn't attract much attention because of its orange flesh, we decided to go for this watermelon variety from Rijk Zwaan because of its flavour," says Juan López, Manager of the Murcia company Pozo Sur, specialized in watermelon cultivation. "It has a surprisingly unique and unexpectedly sweet flavour, one or two degrees Brix above the average conventional watermelon."
"We are still testing its agronomic performance in different growing areas of Andalusia, Murcia and Castile-La Mancha in order to be able to extend the production schedule in the coming years and increase the volumes," says Juan López.
Juan López, Manager of Pozo Sur.
At national level, the Sanditos is currently being sold in local supermarkets in Murcia via retailer Spar, part of the Upper group, as well as in Dialprix supermarkets in Alicante and in Madrid's wholesale market. Some exports are also being made, although to a lesser extent.
With an annual watermelon production amounting to around 65,000 tons, Pozo Sur is the main watermelon grower in Spain and the leading exporter of this product.
"This year's crop has benefited from good weather conditions, unlike last year's, when there were significant losses. Nonetheless, although prices were very high due to the shortage of produce and it was a challenging season in many ways, so far this year the market has remained very quiet," says the company's manager.
For more information:
Lola López
Pozo Sur
Polígono Industrial Las Majadas Calle D. Carnal, n.º 11
30880 Águilas, Murcia. Spain
Tel.: +34 968 493 213
[email protected]
www.pozosur.com