Post by Trade facilitator on May 12, 2019 14:18:01 GMT 1
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a plant species in the family Cucurbitaceae, a vine-like plant originating in West Africa. It is cultivated for its fruit.
Watermelons grow wild in Nigeria. The origin of watermelon is in Africa. Watermelons are a summer fruit, sweet and very refreshing, with diuretic and antioxidant properties. Watermelons are one of the most delicious ways to take vitamins. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds, although seedless varieties have been cultivated.
Watermelon is grown in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide for its large edible fruit. It is a special kind of berry with a hard rind and no internal division, botanically called a pepo. The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled and the rind is edible after cooking.
Export Market for Watermelon
About 3 million tonnes of watermelon are consumed in Europe annually. And between 10 and 15% of the watermelons that are consumed are imported. The imported melons are almost exclusively from developing countries.
Nigeria can become the largest exporter of watermelon if the sector is fully explored. Willing investors are advised to quickly invest in exporting the produce because it is always in high demand as a result of its many benefits. Watermelon markets can easily become saturated by an abundant supply.
In most European countries, Imports of watermelons are on the rise in many European countries. Major importers of watermelon include, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom Spain and France. Your location can help you determine your best market options.
Trends that offer opportunities in the European Market for Watermelon
Taste and a constant quality are determining factors for consistent sales of your produce. Well-ripened, sweet and soft-fleshed melons have the preference.
Suppliers of watermelons can increase their success through excelling in taste and supplying good fruits. On the other hand, prematurely harvested and unripe melons, can have a negative influence on your products and make
your established customers look elsewhere.
Also, products containing more pesticides than allowed are withdrawn from the European market. As an exporter of fruits, you should ensure that your produce are:
- Fresh in appearance.
- Clean.
- Free from pests and damage caused by pests.
- Free of abnormal external moisture, foreign smell or taste.
- Properly packaged and labelled.
Business Profitability
The business of exporting watermelon is no doubt highly lucrative. Fruit business generally is profitable and watermelon is not an exception. All you need do is take that giant step to your success and make huge profits in return.