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Watermelon and melon
Watermelon, well-established in the Mediterranean, is becoming popular in other European countries.
Half the Spanish production of watermelon, around 360,000 tonnes goes for export.
Anecoop’s Bouquet Stars watermelon family is growing and there are already plenty of them. Reina de Corazones, the red variety has descendents: Yellow, Mini and Black, all seedless.The cooperative from Alicante produces 12% of its watermelon using certified organic agriculture techniques Manuel Correa, product development manager at Rijk Zwaan, told Fruit Today euromagazine that the genetic improvement of watermelon still has a long way to go.The Valencia company Algitama’s “Selección” melon comes in a new container this season. In a year when melon has been fetching record prices at origin, the Valencia company Frutas Bollo has been able to maintain excellent quality at reasonable prices. “If producers got more money for better quality, things would go in that direction”Ten new companies have joined the PGI “Melón de La Mancha” creating new expectations for the project’s future.The main obstacle to this type of melon which is green on the outside and sweet inside, appears to have disappeared. The European consumer is beginning to know its virtues. In addition to its traditional activity, the company from La Mancha is going into the business of specialised fruit shops. “In Ceresco, we adapt to suit the commercial requirements of our members. Our philosophy is to optimise their alternatives”.Consumption of out-of-season Christmas melon is increasing every seasonAfter venturing beyond Spanish borders and reaching Europe, in the future melon from La Mancha could now target more distant markets such as the Far East.The company from Murcia has achieved its objective: year round production with identical quality levels. |
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