Peñalver and Buendía with Small Baby Gold

Peñalver and Buendía with Small Baby Gold

Spanish lettuce and melon specialist Procomel is launching a new melon called Sugar Baby Gold onto the market.

The fruit, grown exclusively by the Murcia-based company, is characterised by its yellow skin, orange flesh and small size.

Procomel managing director Celdonio Buendía and president Juan Peñalver believe that the fruit will revolutionise the melon market. Buendía said: “Sugar Baby Gold is a completely new melon which has been developed without any genetic manipulation thanks to cross pollination carried out by bees… In fact, its natural origins are one of the principal differences that this fruit has compared to its competitors. Its production is closest to historically traditional methods without the use of preservatives or additives.’

The fruit can reach up to 17° brix, has unusually high vitamin content and a longer shelf life than traditional melon varieties. Peñalver said: “It has some 30 times more antioxidants and vitamins than a standard fruit type.”

Initially production is some 2,500 tonnes and fruit will be sold whole and ready-prepared in the company’s main export markets such as the UK, as well as the national market. Its diminutive size means that it will appeal to smaller households.