Brazil melon and cucurbit export developments

The Brazilian melon and cucurbit sector is seeing expansion in both market outlook and export capabilities. The current melon season has commenced with shipments arriving in Rotterdam, showing a more favorable outlook than the previous year due to lower planting volumes which are expected to improve market balance and pricing.

Simultaneously, the municipality of Britânia in Goiás has received official authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to export fresh cucurbits, including watermelon, melon, and pumpkin. This authorization allows local producers to access international markets such as the United Arab Emirates and Mercosul partners, including Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, following the municipality’s integration into the Risk Mitigation System to manage fruit fly pests.

For the 2026/2027 season, indicators for the European market remain positive. Gino van Lin of Frankort & Koning noted that the transition from European production to Brazilian imports has been “relatively smooth compared to the previous season.” Stable demand, bolstered by warm weather in Europe, and lower import volumes have contributed to favorable entry prices.

A notable trend this season is a decrease in the total number of importers, causing market shifts and an influx of new customers across all segments. While November and December are traditionally difficult due to colder weather and shifting consumption habits, the industry outlook remains optimistic. Current market prices are reported at approximately 1.60 EUR per kg for Galia, 2.00 EUR for American Cantaloupe, and 1.10 EUR for watermelon.