Consumer satisfaction was the keyword at the recent international melon seminar organised by Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan in Brazil, where delegates were urged to produce and supply melon varieties which better suit the latest requirements in both Europe and the US.
The event held in Mossoro, Brazil, on 28-30 August, singled out convenience as the major trend for Brazilian suppliers to follow in the coming years, as market niches including fresh-cut and organics continue to develop at a pace.
Allan Acosta from Ready Pack said that the US convenience sector has grown at a rate of over 30 per cent annually during the last few years, with the total turnover for prepared melons now outstripping that of the whole fruit category.
Jack Wilder from Bakkavor added that the UK market is following a similar pattern, while Volkert Engelsman pointed out the “incredible” potential for melons to expand on the organic fruit market.
Brazil is an important supply zone for the European market, with the majority of fruit ending up on European supermarket shelves, according to Vincent van Wolferen of Rijk Zwaan.
“It’s important to bring together growers from different production areas to look at new varietal developments and discuss future plans for the melon category,” he told Fruitnet.com.
