The changeover in seasons from Europe to Latin America is causing some supply issues for melon availability.

Prices ran to 1000p for 8s of yellow melons from Spain on some wholesale markets this week, as the Spanish season began to wind down before Brazil is fully into its stride.

One importer told freshinfo: “We won’t get our first proper arrivals from Brazil until next week. We have had some fruit, but just oddments really. What we have had so far has been of very good quality.”

He also reported that the season is starting slightly later than last year by about seven to 10 days, due to inclement weather in the north-east of the South American country. He said: “It feels like Spain is finishing early, but really it is more a case of Brazil running late on last year. However, the weather has not affected fruit condition and if anything, the late start has probably been a good thing for eating quality.”

Brazil will dominate in the UK market until Christmas before Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama come on stream.

Topics