W38: Melon Update

In W38 in the melon landscape, Spain is no longer the leading supplier of melons to European Union markets (EU), with Brazil taking over this role. Between Jan-23 and Jun-23, Spain sold 54.35 million kilograms (kg) of melons to the EU, a 45.96% decrease from the previous year. This shift allowed Brazil to become the largest melon supplier to the EU, selling 62.43 million kgs during the same period. The Netherlands, Morocco, and Honduras also ranked as significant suppliers. EU member states purchased 313.47 million kgs of melons during this period, with an average price of USD 1.26/kg (EUR 1.2/kg).

The price of melons in the Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, agricultural and fruit and vegetable market experienced a slight decrease in W38. Extra category melons are priced between USD 0.27 to 0.30/kg (EUR 0.26 to 0.29/kg), which is USD 0.032/kg (EUR 0.03/kg) lower than the previous week. First-category melons priced between USD 0.24 to 0.27/kg (EUR 0.23 to 0.26/kg), a decrease of USD 0.021/kg (EUR 0.02/kg), and second-category melons range from USD 0.15 to 0.18/kg (EUR 0.14 to 0.17/kg), a reduction of USD (EUR 0.04/kg).

Furthermore, the melon campaign in Extremadura, Spain, has been delayed due to rain on May and June 23, leading to ongoing harvesting activities. Temperature fluctuations and inflation have contributed to the price fluctuations, impacting farmers who have struggled with rising production costs and precarious conditions.

Lastly, melon prices in Ukrainian wholesale markets ranged from USD 1.62 to 1.89/kg (UAH 59.90 to 69.99/kg). In Kherson, farmers have harvested 590 tons of melons this season, with plans to deliver 200 tons of watermelons and 100 tons of melons to Romania and Germany.