Melons could be 30 to 40 percent more expensive this year in Hungary

Fresh Melon (Muskmelon)

Hungary

Published May 25, 2022

Tridge summary

The reason for the rise in prices is that fruit was produced in a smaller area this year, and soaring production, transport, and labor costs will also have to be included in the price. Instead of last year's 3,500 hectares, this year producers have planted watermelons on only about 2,800-3,000 thousand hectares. Due to the jump in production, transport, and labor costs, we cannot expect a retail price of less than HUF 170-180 per kilogram in the summer high season, which means a 30-40 percent price increase compared to last year's minimum of HUF 130, Agroinform writes in its press release. In addition to the labor shortage in the sector, the reasons for the decline are the uncertainty surrounding the marketability of melons and the decision of some producers to farm their land on a more traditional basis (ie to produce cereals). This determination was matured by the news of the war in Ukraine in many people.

Original content

The reason for the rise in prices is that fruit was produced in a smaller area this year, and soaring production, transport and labor costs will also have to be included in the price. Instead of last year's 3,500 hectares, this year producers have planted watermelons on only about 2,800-3,000 thousand hectares. Due to the jump in production, transport and labor costs, we cannot expect a retail price of less than HUF 170-180 per kilogram in the summer high season, which means a 30-40 percent price increase compared to last year's minimum of HUF 130, Agroinform writes in its press release. In addition to the labor shortage in the sector, the reasons for the decline are the uncertainty surrounding the marketability of melons and the decision of some producers to farm their land on a more traditional basis (ie to produce cereals). ...

Source: Hvg