The Melon de Cavaillon PGI season officially began on May 23rd, with a promising start. "We were worried that the rain would have an impact on the melons, but the harvest was not delayed, and the quality of the fruit was not impacted either. On the contrary, thanks to the high levels of sunshine over the last few weeks, the melons are bursting with sugar. As a result, the fruit has been very sweet right from the start of the season," explains Océane Freydier, coordinator of the Union of Cavaillon melon producers.
Greater visibility in France and abroad
This melon is eagerly awaited by consumers who appreciate the quality guaranteed by the PGI. "Many clients are attached to the Melons de Cavaillon brand, which recently became a PGI. This label guarantees premium quality, with fruit that ripens on the plant and is harvested when ripe. This quality is one of the reasons why the Melon de Cavaillon PGI enjoys such a good reputation, and why the first fruits are always eagerly awaited. This year in particular, the demand is especially good thanks to the PGI label, and many wholesalers have contacted us. We feel that the PGI is opening doors for us and raising our profile in France and abroad."
Sales objective: More than 3,150 tons of Cavaillon melons
This year, the Union of Cavaillon melon producers aims to increase the volumes sold. "Last year, we had a potential production area of 900 hectares, and we sold 3,150 tons of Cavaillon melons, which is 150 tons more than in 2023. This year, we hope to exceed that volume. But as always, this will depend on the weather, which directly determines consumption, since melons are a particularly weather-sensitive fruit. Last year was a complicated year, with a complex summer and a very cold June that did not encourage consumption. We hope that this season will be better than the previous one."
Cavaillon melons will be available until mid-September. "The PGI covers 4 French departments, with Vaucluse opening the season and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence closing it in mid-September."
For more information:
Océane Freydier
Syndicat des Maîtres Melonniers de Cavaillon
[email protected]