W50 Melon and Watermelon Update: Salmonella Concerns in Mexican Cantaloupe, Morocco Dominates Spanish Melon Market, and Vietnam Gains Approval for Watermelon Exports to China

Mexican Cantaloupe Melons Under Investigation for Salmonella Contamination

Mexican cantaloupe melon production has been under investigation by the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica) to determine if the Salmonella causing the outbreak in the United States (US) and Canada is present in the production units. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC had initiated a voluntary recall of 4.8 thousand boxes of whole melons from the Malichita brand. Melons distributed in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, and Canada can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older people, and those with weakened immune systems. The Mexican government has urged customers not to consume and discard the products. The company has requested certification in Pollution Risk Reduction Systems to offer more safety guarantees. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities from the US and Canada are working to identify the source of contamination.

Morocco Emerges as Primary Melon Supplier to Spain Amid Favorable Market Dynamics

Morocco has significantly increased its melon exports, shipping 13.8 thousand tons to Spain in the first nine months of 2023, generating a substantial export revenue of USD 10 million. Traditionally, Moroccan melons were imported to Spain in the spring, but unfavorable weather conditions in 2023 led to the country importing melons even in summer. Morocco seized the opportunity to become the leading supplier, delivering more than half the total volume in Jul-23 alone, equivalent to 8 thousand metric tons (mt).

Spain, a significant player in the global melon market, ranked second among exporters in 2022, just behind Guatemala. However, in 2023, adverse climatic conditions in Spain increased the demand for imported melons, promoting Morocco to the status of the main supplier. Spain imported a record total of 78 thousand mt of melons during the first nine months of 2023, placing the country as the seventh largest importer in the world. Morocco's share of Spanish melon imports increased from 6 to 8% to 18%, propelling it to third place among Spain's melon suppliers, even surpassing the Netherlands. Moroccan producers are also positioning themselves as major players in the global melon export scene, currently occupying 12th place. In 2023, nearly 57 thousand tons of melons have already been shipped abroad, bringing Morocco an impressive export value of 61 million dollars.

Vietnam Gains Official Approval to Export Watermelons to China

Vietnam has signed a protocol allowing the official export of Vietnamese watermelons to China. The protocol requires Vietnam to comply with China's laws, regulations, and standards regarding food hygiene, safety, and plant quarantine requirements. Fresh Vietnamese watermelons must not be contaminated with five living plant quarantine species, and all growing areas and packaging facilities must be registered and approved by both countries' authorities. Vietnam's watermelon shipments will pass through all Chinese border gates and undergo 2% plant quarantine sampling. Since 2021, Vietnam has improved the quality of agricultural products, leading to a strong growth in watermelon export turnover to China. The harvest season in Vietnam lasts from late April to September, and Chinese demand for watermelons during the Lunar New Year is also increasing.