The melon market is likely to face some difficult times over the next few weeks as major sources deal with different weather issues.
"Heavy rain in the last 10 days in Costa Rica will cause problems for watermelons," said Jez Spikings of Janic. Because of shipping times, it will take two to three weeks before any shortage effects are felt on the UK market.
Meanwhile, Panama is proving a helpful complementary source, particularly on Galia, although Spikings reports some excess volume that has been bringing prices down.
Spain is gearing up to start later this month with Almería the first region to come on stream. "We expect Almería will be slightly late because of the frosts in February and early March," said Spikings. "The season is running about a week behind and we should see first arrivals of Galia and Canteloupe around April 20-22."
Weather forecasters predict one of the warmest springs on record in Almería. "Temperatures are already at 20-25°C," said Spikings, "which is unseasonably warm for this time of year. If it does get really warm, then we could see a glut of fruit followed by a shortage."
Meanwhile, neighbouring region Murcia is also running about a week behind usual, although much can change before the season is due to start in June. "Some good weather now could cancel out the effects of the cooler temperatures earlier," said Gregal UK's Robert Bradford. Gregal is the biggest melon grower in Murcia and Bradford reports heavy planting. "We have got a record crop going in in Murcia this year," he said. "And the fruit is all grown to programme."
Janic expects supplies of honeydew to run short during the first two to three weeks of May as Costa Rica and Brazil finish and shippers await the start of Almerían fruit from around the third week of next month.
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