In W39 in the melon landscape, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding the recall of 6.45 thousand cases of melons due to a potential salmonella risk in various states between September 5 and September 16.
Brazilian melon exports for the 2023/24 season started strong in August, witnessing a significant increase in shipments compared to Aug-22. The Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) revealed that August exports reached around 5.91 thousand tons, a 454% increase from the previous year. The United Kingdom (UK) was the primary destination, accounting for 48% of total exports, followed by the Netherlands at 41%. This surge is attributed to reduced melon supply from Europe due to adverse weather conditions, driving up foreign demand for Brazilian melons. Expectations are for continued export growth in September, surpassing 2022 levels.
Furthermore, Brazilian fruit exports have gained significance in the domestic and international markets, with the European Union (EU) being a primary destination for national exports. In the first half of 2022, melons, lemons, limes, and mangoes have been the top exported fruits in revenue. Melons have generated USD 69 million in export revenue, and the growth in melon production and cultivated area will become more meaningful if Brazil succeeds in opening up new export markets. While the European market is well-established, negotiations for access to the Chinese market are still ongoing.
In the first seven months of 2023, Kazakhstan saw a 12.7% increase in fruit and berry exports, totaling 34.9 thousand tons and earning USD 11.2 million. Melon exports increased by 22.4% to 8.7 thousand tons, with exports to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Latvia.
Lastly, the Volgograd region in Russia experienced a 13% increase in the planted area for melons and watermelons in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 10.8 thousand hectares (ha). The region ranks third in Russia for melon production, with a significant portion of the produce supplied domestically. Local agricultural producers in the Volgograd region receive a 30% cost reimbursement for elite melon seed purchases and have access to government support for reclamation system upgrades. Specialized breeding stations in the region are also developing new melon varieties adapted to challenging climatic conditions, offering a diverse range of colors, shapes, and flavors.
