W25: Melon Update

In W25 in the melon landscape, it was reported that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Korea has successfully concluded export quarantine negotiations with Australia, allowing the export of domestic melons to Australia starting in December. Expanding the list of exportable agricultural products to include melons in addition to existing items such as grapes, strawberries, onions, pears, persimmons, and paprika. Melons for export will be cultivated in greenhouses, and the designated export period will be from December to May 2024 to avoid the presence of pumpkin fruit flies. To meet the export quarantine requirements, strict measures such as plantation quarantine, evidence of the absence of pumpkin fruit flies, and export sample inspection must be adhered to.

On the other hand, in the wholesale markets of Egypt, melons ranged from 0.32-0.49/kg (EGP 10-15/kg). The Italian market presented a high trend for melons, which resulted in a further price increase, with slightly lower availability than usual, and a high level of demand contributed to the result. The unfavorable climate for other pulp vegetables and seasonal fruit has contributed to the choice of consumers in favor of netted melons. The product shows good quality thanks to the high temperatures recorded during the production period. In the Italian market, smooth melons stood at USD 1.75-1.97/kg (EUR 1.60-1.80/kg), while netted melons reached USD 1.97-2.19/kg (EUR 1.80-2/kg). In the Veronese and Mantua areas, adverse weather conditions impacted the crop, leading to a shortage of high-quality products. Consequently, imported alternatives are not expected to meet Italian consumers' preferences.

Lastly, from W25, domestic melons will be available in Hungarian wholesale markets in smaller quantities. The range of melons is forecasted to expand from the beginning of July. Producers anticipate good quality, thanks to advancements in variety selection and production technology.