The Belgian melon market is very difficult at the moment, due to the ongoing drought and heat in southern Europe. This is according to Kristof Maes of Van Dijk Foods. "The French melons were a little earlier and the Spanish a little later, so we got a substantial part on the market at the beginning of July. However, it means that we now have a large shortage. If I am to believe the rumours, the French melon season will also be over soon."
At the same time, the warm weather is ensuring that demand for the fruit is high. "The demand is through the roof, but because of the heat the plants are at a standstill. There is simply almost no supply. Of course we can never say that there is none, but it is really very limited. The difficulties actually apply to all melons, which means that the prices of, for example, the Charentais melons are very high. We have virtually nothing of Galias and the watermelons are also hard to find."
The challenging times, according to the trader, are not just limited to melons. "The full range of fruit is difficult. The heat is affecting all fruit from southern Europe. There is very little supply of stone fruit, for example, and there are also far fewer French plums than usual. The only bright spot in the market is grapes. They are actually going quite well," concludes Kristof.
For more information:
Kristof Maes
Van Dijk Foods
Kempenarestraat 50
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
+32 15 55 65 61
www.vandijkfoods.be