W4 Melon and Watermelon Update: Phytosanitary Protocols for Vietnamese Watermelons to China, Rising Demand for Hungarian Watermelons, Record Production in Mexico, and Quality Advocacy in Peru

Vietnam and China Sign Protocol to Elevate Phytosanitary Standards for Watermelon Exports

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs have signed a protocol to increase phytosanitary requirements for fresh Vietnamese watermelons exported to China. The protocol aims to reduce port congestion and enhance trust by establishing more convenient customs clearance conditions. Vietnamese watermelons must meet specific requirements, including not carrying Chinese quarantine pests, registering orchards and packaging plants, and establishing a quality management system. The protocol could increase Vietnam's watermelon exports from USD 50 million yearly to USD 70 to 80 million.

Hungarian Watermelon Exports Surge Amidst Domestic Development Opportunities

The demand for Hungarian watermelons is increasing in export markets, with room for development in the domestic sector. However, greater producer cooperation is needed to capitalize on opportunities. The melon working group of the National Chamber of Agricultural Economy discussed the results of 2023 and future tasks. The sector is expected to close a moderately good year despite a delayed season due to cooler weather. The heatwave in Aug-23 also benefited the melon market.

Mexico's Melon Producers Achieve Record Production of 645 Thousand Tons in Dec-23

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico reported that melon producers exceeded the average annual production of 581 thousand tons in the last decade, reaching 645 thousand tons in Dec-23. The fruit is of great economic and social importance for Mexico, as it generates employment and foreign currency. Mexico is ranked as the twelfth most significant producer in the world, contributing 1.9% to international volume. Michoacán tops the list with 144.6 thousand tons, followed by Sonora, Coahuila, Guerrero, and Durango. Mexican producers export the fruit to the United States (US), Japan, Hong Kong, Cuba, Colombia, Belize, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with USD 25 million allocated to the US in 2022.

INACAL's Advocacy for Seasonal Fruit Consumption and Adherence to Stringent Watermelon Standards in Peru

The Peruvian Institute of Quality (INACAL) promotes the consumption of seasonal fruits like watermelon, ensuring they meet minimum quality requirements. The Peruvian Technical Standard "NTP 011.017:2015 FRESH FRUITS. Watermelons. Requirements" delineates the criteria for watermelon quality, necessitating attributes such as integrity, cleanliness, firmness, ripeness, freedom from visible foreign matter, pests, and diseases, as well as normal external humidity. Additionally, the fruit should be appropriately protected, ventilated, and well-presented. INACAL underscores the significance of adhering to these standards throughout the entire process, from harvest to marketing, to enhance income and mitigate potential trade barriers.