Nunhems celebrates 25th anniversary of Fiola melon

The event took place in Gela, Sicily, with a brief conference on the global melon market and tendencies, Fiola and its role and benefits in Sicily and various industry sectors.

Ko Remijnse, Nunhems Managing Director Marketing & Sales, opened the conference by welcoming some 200 guests, mainly Fiola melon growers from the Agrigento and Siracusa regions. Ko Remijnse emphasized the proactive role of Nunhems at various levels of the global vegetable supply chain. “Our melon specialists throughout the world work closely together to share their local market knowledge and cooperate with every part of the supply chain to make sure we fully understand the demands of the market and provide our customers with strong performing varieties, but also with the best knowledge and service”.

Fiola is a perfect example of the effectiveness of this model. The Fiola production first started in Sicily 25 years ago, and the variety soon evolved into market leader, fulfilling the needs of different stakeholders along the vegetable supply chain. Fiola meets the grower’s demand for excellent performance in the field and satisfies the needs of processors because it has a long shelf-life and does not produce any waste. Moreover it meets consumer expectations with its nice taste and high sugar level.

Fiola makes a very important contribution to the Sicilian melon business. Its principal production area is southern Sicily with production taking place from April to mid June. Fiola accounts for almost 80% of the Cantaloupe melons produced in Sicily and is consumed all over Italy, especially in the central and northern regions.