Melon Trade Focus

Guatemalan melon volume has strong start in early 2010

2010-02-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Produce News - 2 Feb 2010Guatemala was dominating the cantaloupe business in mid-January as Honduras and Costa Rica were nearing their seasonal increase in exports to the United States. ... read more...

Export Costa Rica melon season started

2010-01-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

Fresh Plaza - 22 Jan 2010The melon export season has started in Costa Rica. The melons are of excellent quality have a high brix level. ... read more...

First Fairtrade melons hit UK

2010-01-22T02:27:00.000-08:00

fruitnet.com - 7 Jan 2010The world’s first-ever Fairtrade-certified melons, produced by a small growers’ cooperative in Mossoro in northern Brazil, became available in Asda and Morrisons from the end of December, according to the Fairtrade ... read more...

France, troubles organic melon campaign

2009-08-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

26 Aug, 2009 - Green Med JournalThe 2009 French organic melon campaign stayed stable, despite a delayed starting in imports from Senegal, Morocco and Spain that caused overlapping on the market at the beginning of June. ... read more...

USA: Kiwano Melons will catch your eye

2009-08-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Aug 11, 2009 - ExaminerThe Kiwano melon (also known as a horned melon) cannot be overlooked once spotted in the produce section of the grocery store. The fruit seems alien, and is quite unknown in the United States. With its orange oval body and horns—which are sharper than they seem—the fruit is a native to Africa, although it is being harvested in New Zealand as well as parts of California. ...

David will be in Japan! Any requests?

2009-07-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

by David IvanovicI'll be in Japan for a couple of days, and I'll take that opportunity to meet some key players involved in exotics product imports and to share with you how they are marketed in this 130 million people market.Mata!

Japan: Fruit fetishists given chance to pick up pyramid-shaped watermelon for princely 52,000 yen (approx. $US 500)

2009-07-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

July 19, 2009 – Mainichi Shimbun An unusual pyramid-shaped watermelon has drawn attention from customers in a department store here. The watermelon measures about 25 centimeters high and is priced at 52,500 yen. It was grown by a farmer in the town of Tsukigata in Hokkaido, by placing it in a specially-shaped plastic shell and … read more…

Spain: Procomel launches Sugar Baby Gold

2009-07-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2009 - Fruitnet.comSpanish melon grower-exporter Procomel has lauched a new melon variety, branded Sugar Baby Gold, which it claims contains ... read more...

USA: Wet spring slows vegetable, melon planting

2009-07-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2009 - South East Farm PressA cool, wet spring delayed planting and crop progress across most U.S. spring and summer vegetable-producing areas, according to the USDA’s latest Vegetable and Melons Outlook Report. ... read more...

Japan: Method aids seedless melon production

2009-07-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2009 - Japan TimesA Sapporo-based research institute has recently developed new technology to preserve the pollen of seedless watermelons for more than a year, raising hopes that fruit-growers can expand the market on a wide scale and create a new revenue source. ... read more...

USA: California Westside melon deal sees strong start

2009-07-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

July 9, 2009 - The PackerThe California Westside cantaloupe and honeydew melon season has started with large sizes and good sugar content, but there's the potential for a production slowdown in mid- to late July. "The crop looks really good," said ... read more...

USA: Tastier, healthier melons aim of Texas A&M researchers

2009-07-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

July 8, 2009 - The Battalion OnlineResearchers with Texas A&M University and Texas Agrilife Research have mapped the melon genome in an effort to make melons tastier and healthier for consumers. "The point is to be able to develop molecular markers that are linked to important genes," said ... read more...

Turkey: Watermelons and cantaloupes sold before harvest this year

2009-07-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2009 - Today's ZamanFarmers deemed the prices of melons, which they left in the fields last year without harvesting them because prices failed to cover costs, satisfactory this year. The yield of a 1,000-square-meter field used for growing watermelons and cantaloupes which sold for TL 400 last year was sold for TL 1,250 before this year's harvest. Farmers in the Gölmarmara and Saruhanlı

Spain: 40,000 tons of melons face destruction in Murcia

2009-07-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2009 - Typically SpanishFarmers say they are making a loss with the prices now being paid by the large supermarkets Agrarian organisations in Murcia say they will continue to destroy 30% of the Cartagena campo’s melon crop, as long as farmers fail to cover their costs of producing the fruit. ... read more...

EU15: Higher Spanish production reduces imports

2009-07-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

by David IvanovicImports were down by 12% for the first quarter of 2009, April levels dipping by more than 16%. I suspect warmer temperatures in Spain lowered the demand for imported melons, but correct me if I'm wrong!

USA: Melon research sweetened with DNA sequence

2009-06-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2009 - EurekAlertPeople smell them, thump them and eyeball their shape. But ultimately, it's sweetness and a sense of healthy eating that lands a melon in a shopper's cart. Plant breeders now have a better chance to pinpoint such traits for new varieties, because the melon genome with hundreds of DNA markers has been mapped by scientists with Texas AgriLife Research. That means tastier

Recession hits UK exotics consumption

2009-06-22T12:40:00.001-07:00

note from David: well it's kind of official, look at my earlier posts for the data for papaya (http://papayatradefocus.blogspot.com - still a minor product compared to pineapples or mangoes) the dramatic first three months of 2009. June 22, 2009 - Reefer Trend The sales value of tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and melons has dropped by 5.5% with volumes falling even

“A lot of Galia melon has been sold that was technically perfect, but lacking in flavour”

2009-06-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

by Melon Today - June 2009Q. Has Almería made a mistake with its Galia melon production strategy?A. Yes, because it is placing its position in the European Galia market at risk. To date, Almería has been well-positioned in this market, due to its production of early melon with characteristics that are highly appreciated by the consumer. However, in this campaign the region has followed a strategy

“You cannot sell a Galia melon that the grower would not be prepared to eat”

2009-06-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

by Melon Today - June 2009Q. What is your assessment of the early Galia melon campaign in Almería?A. The season began with a low level of production and good demand from the European markets, so prices were not bad. During the first few weeks, Galia from Almería had a higher commercial value than melons from overseas and Morocco, due ... read more...

Despite California water woes, West Side melon deal could hold steady for 2008

2009-06-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

Produce News, by Brian Gaylord , 06/15/2009 Last year's West Side melon deal in California came in at 20.5 million 40- pound cartons. Jerry Munson, manager of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, said that the board anticipates a comparable year in 2009. The 2008 final tally of 20.5 million 40-pound cartons was considerably higher than the projected 20 million 40-pound cartons and

Spain: The melon campaign is facing lower prices and a fall in consumption

2009-06-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

The melon campaign maintained last year’s melon production figures in the main producing areas, but faces lower prices under the current economic crisis and pressure from its major distribution.The communities of Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Murcia provide more than seventy percent of the total volume of melon.In the last season, according to official figures, approximately 13,000 hectares

The Market of Imported Cantaloupes in the USA (2008)

2009-06-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

by David Ivanovic In 2008, fresh cantaloupe imports in the US amounted to 420,000 mt, for a CIF value of US$135 million. Difficult climatic conditions in Central America, especially in Guatemala and Honduras, have reduced the fruit’s availability. The demand for cantaloupe is counter-seasonal, and is concentrated between December and May. The peak is in March, with demand reaching 100,000 mt

Reflex shows progress in integrated pest control in the open field with melon in Central America

2009-05-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

AgriTrade 2009:Milena Chinchilla Technical Coordinator for Reflex Central America SA, a company representative from Koppert Biological Systems in the region, talks about the project that also receives support from Rijk Zwaan, for integrated pest mainly aphids and whiteflies in melons.The project was carried out at three farms in Costa Rica and one farm in Honduras. The project in Costa Rica has

Caribbean melon website launched

2009-02-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

fruitnet.com 13 February 2009A site dedicated to Rijk Zwaan's orange-fleshed cantaloupe melon has gone live this weekPlant breeding company Rijk Zwaan has announced the launch of a new website, www.caribbeanmelon.com, to help promote its orange-fleshed Caribbean melon brand.The website outlines the characteristics of the fruit and the accompanying marketing concept, with descriptions of the

US Melon news 18 FEB 2009

2009-02-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: Demand has fallen offconsiderably and there are ample supplies onboth the East and West Coasts. Larger sizedmelons (9’s & 12’s)* dominate the volumebeing shipped into domestic ports and that willcontinue into next week. Florida and Californiaalike are receiving very good numbers onCantaloupes and shippers are looking to movefruit. Quality has been very good onCantaloupes with

ietnam successfully grows Japanese melon

2009-02-16T13:43:00.001-08:00

The Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute harvested 32 Fujiura melons from 16 vines, the largest fruit weighed 10 kilograms.The institute sowed 20 vines but three died. After cropping, melons would be primarily processed by using machines to whittle the covers and pulp the fibers. The fibers would then be exposed to the sun on two occasions.In future, if the Institute can improve the melons,

US: Honeydew importers hope to rebound from 2008

2009-02-11T18:13:00.001-08:00

The PackerBy Jose Escobedo(Feb. 11, 3:11 p.m.) NOGALES, Ariz. — Honeydew grower-shippers expect volumes to start coming in by the middle of February, despite fewer plantings this season in Mexico.“By mid-February there should be the beginning of an increase in volume, due to expected larger sizes and warmer growing conditions,” said Robert Shipley, president of Shipley Sales Service, a company

US Melon news 09 FEB 2009

2009-02-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras andCosta Rica cantaloupes are very good thisweek. Sizing is to the large side (9/12ct)* forboth growing areas, and will continue that wayfor about 10-14 days. Florida and New Jerseydistribution points will continue receiving themajority of the fruit arrivals between them andthe West Coast (L.A.). MARKET LOWERHoneydews: Similar to that of Cantaloupes,Honeydew

Turkey: Prepare for costlier melon

2009-02-09T10:36:00.001-08:00

The watermelon production in the southern city of Adana covers a substantial prorportion of Turkey’s total watermelon production. However, this year, Adana watermelon has lost its attractively.Many producers have been orienting toward growing alternative products in the region. If the supply-demand balance shifted that would result in a pricier watermelon at the markets. Source:

Murcia: over 5,700 hectareas devoted to melon production

2009-02-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Region of Murcia vegetable exports increase by 11%Germany consumes one of every three vegetables that Murcia sells abroad, importing 301,543 tonnes of vegetable produce between January and October 2008.The regional sector aims to carry on growing and to do so it has set its sights on the Eastern European countries, to which it already destines significant volumes of its vegetable

Region of Murcia brands a quality benchmark in the European markets

2009-02-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Once again, the Region of Murcia will be taking part in “Fruit Logistica”, the trade fair to be held in Berlin from 4th to 6th February, exhibiting the best attributes of the Region’s agrifood products.The Region of Murcia is committed to developing quality brands which award our agrifood products added value, enabling them to be easily identified by the most demanding consumers from foreign

US Melon news 02 FEB 2009

2009-02-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Hondurascantaloupes have improved and Costa Ricafruit is starting to arrive this week. Florida andNew Jersey distribution points will be receivingthe majority of the fruit arrivals and West Coast(L.A.) will be the lighter of the two areas forsure again this week. Cantaloupe supplieslook to continue improving over the next 7-10days which will in turn give way to

US Melon news 28 JAN 2009

2009-01-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: Supplies on HondurasCantaloupes look to improve by weeks end andCosta Rica supplies will be arriving then aswell. Florida and New Jersey distributionpoints will be receiving the majority of the fruitarrivals and West Coast (L.A.)* will be thelighter of the two areas for sure. Cantaloupesupplies look to have continued improvementover the next 7-10 days which will in turn giveway to

US Melon news 26 JAN 2009

2009-01-26T14:59:00.001-08:00

Cantaloupes: Supplies on HondurasCantaloupes continue to fall short of the currentdemand pressure again this week. They arestill behind due to rain delayed planting gaps,and as the newest area importing fruit, this willput continued stress on the already lightsupplies of available fruit until the week ofFebruary 2nd. Costa Rica, should have their firstarrivals toward the end of this week,

Calif farmers idle crops, veggie prices may rise

2009-01-26T11:50:00.001-08:00

Consumers may pay more for spring lettuce and summer melons in grocery stores across the country now that California farmers have started abandoning their fields in response to a crippling drought.California's sweeping Central Valley grows most of the country's fruits and vegetables in normal years, but this winter thousands of acres are turning to dust as the state hurtles into the worst drought

US Melon news 29 DEC 2008

2009-01-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: Supplies on HondurasCantaloupes continue to fall short of the currentdemand pressure. They are still behind due torain delayed planting gaps, and as the newestarea importing fruit, this will put continuedstress on the already light supplies of availablefruit until the week of February 2nd. Costa Rica,also a large growing area for some of the mainimporters, is still about 12-13 days

UK: Environment secretary on food labelling

2009-01-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Source: The TelegraphUK’s Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that supermarkets and companies needed to label products more clearly to show consumers exactly where their food was coming from. Under current European regulations, a product's country of origin was the place where it had undergone its last significant process, but this could hide where it had really come from. Mr Benn suggested a

Itaueira transformed its Yellow Honey Dew melon

2009-01-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

In 2009 Itaueira will participate as an exhibitor at Fruitlogistica in Berlin for the 5th consecutive year. The company is expanding its presence in the European market thanks to the quality of its products.Itaueira has transformed its Yellow Honey Dew melon (brand marks REI, CEPI and DUNORT) from just a commodity to a noble product, due to the different taste it offers to its consumers, turning

US Melon news 14 JAN 2009

2009-01-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

You melon-news seekers are really spoiled! Cantaloupes: Extremely light supplies ofCantaloupes in all ports of entry have put them,along with the Honeydews, in a demandexceeds supply situation. Hondurascantaloupes are behind due to rain delayedplanting gaps, and as the newest areaimporting fruit, this will put stress on the alreadylight supplies of available fruit. Costa Rica, alsoa large growing

US Melon news 12 JAN 2009

2009-01-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

Cantaloupes: The last of the Guatemala firstcycle fruit and the beginning of Honduras fruitis arriving in only LIGHT volume this week.Honduras cantaloupes are behind due to raindelayed planting gaps, and as the next areaimporting fruit, this will put stress on the alreadylight supplies. Costa Rica, also a large growingarea for some of the main importers, is stillabout 2-3 weeks away from fruit

USA: Melon oversupply predicted for spring

2009-01-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

A prolonged rainy season in Central America could lead to an oversupply of melons in March as growers work to make up the shortfallAn oversupply of melons could be shaping up for the North American market in the spring, according to import sources, due to a severe Central American rainy season, which pushed back the start of the region’s melon growing season by several weeks.Exports from Costa

Spain: Melon exports down 7% in October 2008

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

339,853 tonnes of melons exported in Jan-Oct 2008Spanish pepper exports totalled 341,641 tonnes from January to October 2008, an increase of 25% in comparison with the same period in 2007, according to the Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters (FEPEX). Spain is the world's leading exporter of fruit and vegetables and one of the biggest producers as well.F&V October

Castilla-La Mancha Region accounts for 35.28% of Spain’s melon cultivation acreage

2009-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

MELON CULTIVATION ACREAGE BY REGION IN SPAIN (2008)In terms of acreage, Castilla-La Mancha is the most important melon-producing region in Spain, with a cultivation area of some 13,262 hectares, according to estimations made by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for 2008.Melons are transplanted in the region of Castilla-La Mancha from mid-April to early July, and 20-25% of

UK: Imported fresh produce prices to soar

2009-01-08T09:08:00.001-08:00

David says: Will exotics be affected? Of courseThe cost of fresh fruit and vegetables will soar this year as European farmers shun the plunging pound. British importers believe shoppers will face increases as high as 20 per cent in coming weeks, with some produce disappearing from our shelves altogether. All sorts of fresh produce is affected but potatoes, onions and tomatoes are particularly at

US Melon news 07 JAN 2009

2009-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cantaloupes: No Change Guatemala is finished picking their first cycle of fruit and with the planting gap earlier in the year due to rain, this week and next week’s incoming supplies will be affected. This is paving the way for continued light supplies. Honduras is also behind as the next area to import fruit, which could keep Cantaloupes light in supply for the next 2-3 weeks. There are still

Cambodia: Local melon growers enjoy sweet success

2009-01-07T07:59:00.001-08:00

Tens of thousands of melons are grown every year in the Kingdom as local farmers cash in on increasing local demand. Almost unknown in Cambodia until a few years ago, the honeydew melon has become a hit in the Kingdom, with local farmers looking to cash in on the Mediterranean fruit. Kim San credits himself with being the first farmer to grow the fruit, which is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium

US Melon news 31 DEC 2008

2008-12-31T12:20:00.001-08:00

from Pro*ActCantaloupes: Supplies of large sized offshorefruit from Guatemala will continue in goodsupply finishing this week and into next, anddemand is only light. Decent supplies over thenext 7-10 days will further ease the pressureand they will be more readily available.Although that is the case, Guatemala will finishpicking their first cycle of fruit next week,paving the way for light

US Melon news 24 DEC 2008

2008-12-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

from www.proactusa.com Cantaloupes: No Change Large sizedoffshore fruit from Guatemala is in better supplythis shortened Christmas week, and demand isonly light. Increasing supplies over the next 10-14 days will further ease the pressure and theywill be more readily available next week aswell. There are still very good supplies of thesmaller sizes (15/18ct)* and deals remainavailable! Quality is

Orange-fleshed melon concept Caribbean worldwide success

2008-12-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

Only four years after the first tests, Caribbean has become the most important variety in leading cantaloupe melon countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Brazil. Caribbean is the result of a 8 year breeding process of vegetable seeds company Rijk Zwaan. During this process and the subsequent marketing efforts, the company consciously worked together with a number of partners in the

Interview with Mr. Kevin Peat • Buying Manager from Mack Multiples

2008-12-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

A great interview from www.melontoday.com :THE MELON EXPERTS TALKS Interview with Mr. Kevin Peat • Buying Manager from Mack Multiples “From a quality point of view the attributes of the “Siglo” define what the UK consumer value most”Mr. Kevin Peat, as a Buying Manager within Mack Multiples travels the Northern and Southern Hemisphere in search of the best melons to supply the UK market all

Bad year for Brazilian melons

2008-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dramatic prices in view of cost priceThe market for Brazilian melons is still very difficult. At the start of the season good orices were obtained, but that changed quickly. "The market for melons is really bad this year. At the start the price for yellow melons was still good, but that lasted only during the first two weeks. Since then it is bad. In Brazil fixed high prices are required and

Crop prices set to rise up to 70% due to EU pest management restrictions

2008-12-08T11:24:00.001-08:00

Note from David: well a little bit late to bring to your attentions (this info dates from October), however very interesting prospects in terms of increased imports from abroad, including melons.--------------------------------------"This research proves that banning pest management options will, in the end, hit consumers in the pocket"A study released by the European Centre for Agricultural,

Dole suspends melon deal

2008-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

12 November 2008 Fruitnet.com Following difficulties last season, Dole has revealed it will not import fresh melons for distribution in either Germany or the Benelux region during the coming year.Both the German and Benelux subsidiaries of Dole Fresh Fruit Europe have put on hold their melon import programmes due to problematic supply and market conditions.“Brazil experienced some quality

Good melon fact / marketing sheets

2008-12-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Nice presentation documents in Spanish:Piel de SapoGalia Galia (taditional)CharentaisEnjoy,David

UK consumers buy 3 Galia melons a year

2008-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Galia is one of the best performing varieties in terms of year on year sales Galia melons are popular with consumers due to their aromatic flavour and refreshing juicy texture. However, purchase frequency lies at 3, meaning that UK consumers buy an average of 3 Galia melons a year. According to Rob Liston, Technical Director at Keelings (UK) Ltd., one of the leading suppliers of melons to the

Melon consumption in the USA

2008-12-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Domestic production is up 7 percentPer capita melon consumption has risen to an annual average of 27 pounds this decade—up 3 percent from the average of the 1990s. This demand has been satisfied by both domestic producers and melon importers. While imports between the 1990s and the 2000s are up 53 percent (an increase of 621 million pounds), domestic production is up 7 percent (an increase of

USA: Melon area is expected to rise 1%

2008-12-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Check out the USDA pdf document by clicking on the link underRegards, David Arizona is the top melon producer during the fallSpurred by relatively favorable wholesale prices last summer, melon area is expected to rise 1 percent this fall to 15,600 acres. Although cantaloup area is expected to remain steady, honeydew area is expected to rise 6 percent. Weather in California and Arizona has been

Costa Rica: low demand, sickness and weather overpower melon growers

2008-11-30T08:13:00.000-08:00