The demand for premium melons and watermelons has increased over the past years, says Aryan Schut, international sales manager for Brazilian melon grower and exporter Itaueira: "The Brazilian melon market is undergoing a considerable transformation, driven by changes in consumption, logistical difficulties, and the need for differentiation. As the demand for premium products increases, producing and exporting companies have had to adapt to remain competitive. Supermarkets and wholesalers no longer focus solely on volume and price, but are looking for value-added products."
Schut states that the company is most known for a specific melon, sold in nets. "In 1999, we started the production of yellow melons. But in 2001, REI Melon began being packed in the famous nets, because the melons were quite small at the time, so two to three melons were placed in each net. The Yellow melon is Itaueira's main production variety, complemented by Piel de Sapo, Galia, and Cantaloupe. We're able to guarantee a year-round supply of fruit."
Itaueira has had to take a long break from exporting, due to issues related to drought, Schut explains: "We're a Brazilian producer of melons and watermelons, and after a seven-year hiatus due to drought and water restrictions, we resumed exports in 2024. We have more than a 35% share of the local market, with 90,000 tons per year. We mainly export Yellow melons, with commercial trials in Europe, and plan to expand to Canada and the Middle East. This variety accounts for more than 85% of our production."
"Our story was born from a dream that became our mission: To produce tasty and reliable foods that bring pleasure and health to our customers. That mission then became our purpose: to bring pleasure and joy to people through flavor. As a result, Rei melon has become a reference in the domestic market over the years and is synonymous with flavor and quality. The sector expects premium melon exports to increase because of the market's evolution and the need to adapt. The market is changing and companies must be prepared to evolve with it," Schut concludes.
For more information:
Amanda Pires
Itaueira
Email: [email protected]
www.itaueira.com