Brazil expects a poor melon export season

Melon exports decreased in 2010

The unfavourable climatic conditions in the region of Rio Grande do Norte, where most of Brazil’s melons are grown, are one of the reasons why growers do not expect a good season this year, according to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Económico. Moreover, the current European crisis and the fact that Europe is the main overseas market for Brazilian melons have only exacerbated the situation.

According to data from the Secretary of Foreign Trade (Secex) and the Brazilian Fruit Institute (IBRAF) published by the aforementioned newspaper, in the first few months of 2011, Brazilian melon exports totalled 101,007 tonnes, a decrease of 11% on the same period of 2010.

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