Tico Watermelons Enjoyed in the US and Europe
Watermelon production for the purpose of export grew 22% in the first five months of this year, generating ¢3.690 million colones (us$7.5 million) in profit for producers, some ¢492 million for the same period in 2004, according to the Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG).

The MAG reports that between January and May of 2005. 34.2 tonnes of the fruit was shipped from Costa Rica, while only 28 tonnes were shipped in the same period in 2004. The primary market for the Costa Rican fruiti s Holland, Germany, Italy, Belguim, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Poland and the United States.

Watermelon plantations are located in Orotina, San Mateo, Bagaces, Cañas, Parrita, San Carlos, Upala and Guapiles. The largest producer is the Labrador de San Matero, where more than 200 hectares are seeded each year.

Watermelons are harvested in May, August and December.

Though Holland is number one on the list for exporters, Costa Rican watermelons represent 2.1% of the market in the U.S. as some 10.3 million kilos are shipped there.

Competing with Costa Rica in the international watermelon market is China, Turkey, United States, Mexico and Brazil.