The Brazilian melon industry is already preparing for the next season following a successful campaign in 2010/11.
After a “relatively low volume” last season, Brazil will be back with a normal crop in 2011/12, according to Frankort & Koning – the European import partner of Brazil’s largest melon supplier Agricola Famosa.
“It will be a challenge to see what volume the European market can absorb, but we should be prepared for record volume,” explained F&K’s Leon van den Hombergh in a statement.
“Agricola Famosa alone will increase its volume by more than 30 per cent in the coming season, mainly `in order` to supply all contracted volume,” Mr van den Hombergh added.
F&K expects the first Brazilian melons to arrive in Europe by mid-August, with the Piel de Sapo variety arriving one month later.
Brazil’s 2010/11 melon campaign finished earlier then in recent years due to intensive rainfall, which F&K claims will allow most producers to start earlier than normal this season.
