Seed company holds second edition of its Water&Melon Show in El Ejido
A farm in El Ejido, Almería welcomed representatives from the international melon and watermelon industry last week for Semillas Fitó’s Water&Melon Show 2025.
Growers, distributors, marketers, and press were invited to the three-day event to see the seed company’s latest varietal developments and its global vision for the development of these crops worldwide.
Presenting the company’s new varieties, Miguel Ángel Fernández, a melon and watermelon specialist in Andalusia, commented: “We want to focus on the watermelon world, with many new products and different types in terms of sizes, colours, and planting dates. All without losing sight of the melon segment, in which we are leaders”.
Fernández, who also introduced the new Leiva, a pollinator with very small black microseeds for early planting transplants. “It offers advantages such as excellent pollination capacity, because it improves fruit quantity and shape. It also eliminates the problem of cupping due to pollination conflicts during cold or low-light periods,” he explained.
During the event, Raúl Martínez, Semillas Fitó’s sales and marketing director, presented the latest market data and sales figures for the category, and Francisco López, global melon and watermelon coordinator, provided an overview of the work the company is doing internationally in these two crops.
“Our main mission, through genetics, is to introduce innovation into the varieties we sell. The main innovation in melons has come through resistance, introducing the genes necessary for varieties to be resistant to powdery mildew and aphids. The next challenge is to introduce the New Delhi variety,” Martínez said.
According to López, the watermelon market has been one of the most dynamic fresh produce categories in the last decade. “As part of our global strategy, we are committed to this crop with the same dedication that has led us to become a leader in melons,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of developing varieties that offer a strong retail positioning, Marc Arajol, value chain lead, commented: “At Semillas Fitó, we develop value solutions tailored to the needs of the entire chain: from producers and retailers to supermarkets. Furthermore, our Waikiki and Little Planet melon brands respond to the latest market trends and connect directly with consumers”.
During the event, delegates had the chance to visit a local supermarket to see the fruit in-store and taste the different varieties of melon and watermelon and learn about their characteristics and flavours.
