Melon: a fruit with high demand in European markets

Melon is one of the most appreciated fruits for its flavor, freshness and versatility. In the European market, it holds a leading position during spring and summer, when seasonal fruit consumption increases and demand for Spanish produce reaches its peak.

Spain is one of the world’s main producers and exporters of melon. Its climate, farmers’ expertise and the quality of cultivated varieties make Spanish melon a benchmark for flavor and commercial reliability among international buyers—especially in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Spain, leader in melon production and export

Every year, thousands of tons of Spanish melon cross borders to major European destinations. The main production areas are concentrated in southern and southeastern Spain, where provinces such as Almería, Murcia and Ciudad Real stand out for their ability to guarantee consistent production, uniform sizes and excellent post-harvest preservation.

In addition, the professionalization of the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector makes it possible to respond quickly to international market needs—from sweeter varieties to options with greater resistance for long-distance transport.

Almería, a key hub in fruit and vegetable distribution

Within this context, Almería has consolidated its position as one of the main logistical and commercial centers for melon distribution across Europe. Its infrastructure, quality control systems and the presence of specialized export companies—such as Siiimply Veggy—ensure a constant flow of fresh fruit with very high standards.

From greenhouses to packing facilities, every step is carried out under certified protocols that guarantee traceability, freshness and compliance with the most demanding European standards.

Main melon varieties for export

Although European consumers recognize melon as a single fruit category, the reality is that there are several varieties with very different characteristics. Each offers a different balance between sweetness, texture and resistance, making them more suitable for specific markets and commercial uses.

Yellow melon: sweetness and resistance for export

Yellow melon—also known as Yellow Honey Dew—is one of the most stable varieties for export. Its smooth and firm bright yellow rind protects a white, juicy pulp with a sweet flavor.

It is highly valued for its strong transport resistance and long post-harvest shelf life, allowing it to be shipped over long distances without losing quality. In markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom, yellow melon is well received for its attractive appearance and balanced taste, suitable for fresh consumption as well as cold dishes or salads.

Piel de Sapo melon: the classic with intense flavor

Piel de Sapo melon is undoubtedly the most emblematic Spanish variety. Its green skin with dark stripes and elongated shape make it unmistakable. Its flavor is intense, with high natural sweetness (high Brix level) and a firm texture that remains consistent even after several days of storage.

Its main strength lies in its organoleptic quality, positioning it as a favorite in markets that prioritize taste over aesthetics. France and Spain are the main consumers of this variety, although its presence on European shelves continues to grow thanks to its adaptability to refrigerated transport.

Cantaloupe melon: the most demanded variety in Europe

Cantaloupe melon stands out for its attractive appearance: netted rind, orange flesh and sweet, intense aroma. It is very popular in northern Europe, where its color and flavor make it a high-value product.

Its sugar content is higher than that of other varieties, and its juicy texture makes it ideal for direct consumption. However, it requires precise temperature and humidity control during transport, as it is more sensitive to cold than yellow or piel de sapo melon.

Galia melon: balanced aroma, color and texture

Galia melon combines a rough rind in green and golden tones with very aromatic greenish flesh. It is one of the most versatile varieties for export, offering an excellent balance between sweetness, texture and aroma.

Its mild flavor makes it ideal for consumers in central and northern Europe, where fresh fruit with a lighter profile is preferred. It also withstands handling well and maintains an attractive appearance during refrigerated transport.

What determines the quality of an export melon

The quality of a melon does not depend solely on its variety. In international trade, technical and agronomic factors define its commercial value and buyer acceptance.
A melon may look good externally, but if it does not meet certain internal parameters, it will not be competitive in demanding markets.

– Sugar level (Brix degree) and firmness

The Brix degree measures the natural sugar content of the fruit. It is one of the most important indicators of ripeness and flavor.
In general, melons destined for export should reach a high Brix level (between 12 and 16), ensuring a sweet and pleasant taste even after several days of transport.

Flesh firmness is also crucial. An overripe melon may suffer damage during transport, while one harvested too early will lack flavor. Therefore, experience at harvest time is essential: knowing when to cut the fruit is one of the skills that distinguishes experienced growers from inexperienced ones.

– Appearance, ripeness and post-harvest handling

External appearance directly influences consumer perception. The rind must be clean, free of cracks or stains, and display the characteristic color of each variety.
Careful handling after harvest prevents surface damage that could reduce shelf life or promote fungal development during transport.

Post-harvest processes include pre-cooling, humidity control and the use of ventilated packaging that preserves freshness without excessive condensation.

– Transport and cold storage

Each melon type requires a specific temperature range during transport:

• Yellow and piel de sapo melon: between 7°C and 10°C.
• Cantaloupe and galia: between 3°C and 6°C, with humidity control.

Maintaining the cold chain is essential to preserve firmness and flavor. Excessive cold can affect color and texture, while high temperatures reduce the product’s commercial life.

Logistics control and traceability are essential to ensure importers receive fruit in perfect condition, without losses or claims.

How to choose the right melon type for your market

Selecting the right melon type is not only about taste or appearance. Each European market has different consumer preferences, logistical requirements and purchasing calendars. Understanding these details allows you to plan imports efficiently and ensure fruit arrives at peak demand.

– European consumer preferences by country

In Germany and the Netherlands, consumers prefer light-fleshed melons with balanced flavor, such as yellow or galia. These fruits stand out for their clean appearance, good shelf life and moderate sweetness, ideal for supermarket shelves and convenience formats.

In France, piel de sapo melon remains the main variety, valued for its intense flavor and firm texture. This market looks for fruit with identity and character, where Spanish origin is synonymous with reliability.

In the United Kingdom, cantaloupe leads sales thanks to its orange color and sweet aroma. Its visual appeal makes it ideal for fresh presentations, salads or ready-to-eat fruit mixes.

In southern Europe, where fruit consumption is more traditional, piel de sapo maintains a dominant position due to its authentic flavor and durability, especially during seasonal exports.

– Seasonality and import planning

Spain produces melons for several months of the year, with peaks varying by region.

• Almería begins the campaign in spring with early production.
• Murcia takes over in summer, concentrating much of the export volume.
• In Castilla-La Mancha, the season extends until late summer, particularly for piel de sapo varieties.

Planning imports according to origin helps optimize logistics costs and ensure freshness. For international buyers, working with a distributor that manages different production areas—such as Siiimply Veggy—ensures continuous supply throughout the European campaign.

Siiimply Veggy: specialists in melon export from Almería

At Siiimply Veggy, we have spent years working with specialized melon growers in Almería and other Spanish agricultural regions. Our experience in fruit and vegetable export allows us to offer quality-controlled melons, selected according to the requirements of each European market.

Quality control and international certifications

Every melon lot we export undergoes a verification process that guarantees traceability and product freshness. We operate under recognized standards such as GlobalG.A.P., GRASP and SPRING, ensuring responsible and sustainable agricultural practices.
Thanks to these certifications, our clients—supermarkets, distributors and purchasing centers across Europe—can fully trust that the product meets international regulations and maintains its quality from origin to point of sale.

Tailored distribution for supermarkets and purchasing centers

We adapt to each client’s logistical needs, adjusting sizes, formats and delivery schedules to optimize the supply chain.
From yellow and piel de sapo to cantaloupe and galia, we manage refrigerated shipments with strict temperature and humidity control, ensuring the fruit arrives with the same flavor and appearance it had in the field.

At Siiimply Veggy, we do not just export melons: we export trust, expertise and certified quality.
You can learn more about our commitment to excellence in our certified quality section.