The melon and watermelon season is looking good for the Bristol PO thanks to a growing production and new market opportunities, especially for its watermelons of different sizes. Tommaso Concari, field production technical manager and quality system manager at the PO, talks about the new campaign.
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Weather conditions and impact on cultivation
This year's weather conditions have had a strong impact on cultivation. Bristol's members are located in 4 regions: Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Lombardy. "The prolonged rainfall between September and February created problems in the open fields, making working conditions difficult and increasing costs. As for transplants, the negative effects of this humidity will be seen later on."
The situation appears to be more favourable in greenhouses: "The season is looking positive for now. The cold weather only lasted a few days, and the plants reacted well. Setting will begin shortly: in Tuscany, bees were introduced to greenhouses on 20 March while, in the north (Mantua, Rovigo, Bologna, Pavia), the process will start in about ten days."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
"If the weather remains stable, production should proceed smoothly. A bout of cold weather at the end of April could compromise the size of the fruit, so we hope that there will be no sudden drops in temperature."
Smooth melons: Production in line with 2024
"As far as smooth melons are concerned, we are in line with last year. Harvesting is expected to begin in early May. Our produce was much appreciated last year, and we are hoping to replicate the success again this year with buyers, customers, and consumers."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Concari also emphasizes the more favorable weather conditions compared to 2024. "Last year, rain slowed down the ripening process between March and May. This year, on the other hand, the rain fell mostly in January, and the current weather bodes well for a punctual or even slightly early harvest."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Watermelons: Newly-introduced Lolita
In addition to melons, Concari also talked about watermelons and reported that bees were introduced to greenhouses for the pollination of the Lola variety, which is due to be harvested on 25 May.
The big news this year, however, is Lolita, a smaller version of Lola. "While Lola watermelons weigh between 20 and 25 kg, Lolita watermelons weigh between 10 and 12 kg, a size more suited to big retail chains. After three years of testing, the Lolita brand will be more present in the markets and we are considering its introduction in big retail chains. The new variety was already a success in marketing trials thanks to its thin rind, excellent organoleptic quality, and resistance to ripening. We have noticed a strong interest, especially in the markets of Milan, Brescia, and Bologna, where watermelons of a more manageable size are preferred for logistic reasons."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Despite the introduction of Lolita, Lola remains the Op Bristol's flagship product. "Lola continues to dominate the markets of the Romagna Riviera and Tuscany. Here, large watermelons have a strong visual impact and are very popular in the points of sale, especially when sliced."
But do Lola and Lolita only differ in size? "No, they also differ from an organoleptic point of view. Lola is crispier and more aromatic with a firm flesh, while Lolita stands out for its sweetness and ease of handling at the point of sale, due to its very thin rind. The two varieties complement each other, as they satisfy different tastes: some prefer crunchier watermelons and others opt for softer, sweeter ones."
© O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Netted melons: Watch out for the no-slice-mark variety
Concari also talked about netted melons, confirming that production will be in line with last year. "We will be offering more or less the same varieties while giving more visibility to the no-slice-mark netted melon, which is characterised by a very pigmented flesh and a thin rind. This type of melon has been very well received, especially in the early segment between 20 May and 10 June, as it is an interesting alternative to Sicilian no-slice-mark netted melons."
Op Bristol will attend Macfrut 2025 (Rimini, 6-8 May), in Hall D2 - Stand 007. "This year, the fair will take place during the week from Tuesday to Thursday, which should guarantee a higher quality of visitors and a better overall performance of the event. We hope that this choice will help enhance the value of our product even more."
Article photos provided by Tommaso Concari
For more information
O.P. Bristol Soc. Agr. Cons. a r.l.
Registered office: Via Barbaruta, 2 (Podere n.722), Località Barbaruta - 58100 Grosseto (GR)
Head office: Via San Protaso, 23 - 29017 Fiorenzuola d'Arda (PC)
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