Ibiza’s Mercat Nou, a key venue for the sale of fresh local produce, hosted this morning the official launch of the island’s watermelon harvest campaign. This event marks the beginning of a vital season for Ibiza’s agricultural sector, where watermelon, along with potatoes, is one of the main crops due to high demand during the summer months.

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Ibiza’s Watermelon Harvest Campaign Kicks Off at Mercat Nou

During the event, the Island Director for Rural and Marine Affairs of the Ibiza Island Council, Joan Marí, emphasised the importance of watermelon cultivation to the rural economy and highlighted the local producers’ commitment to quality:

“Ibiza’s watermelon not only hydrates, it also connects us to our land and to a farming tradition based on quality and respect for the product.”
Marí also acknowledged the efforts of farmers after a challenging year:
“Despite the difficulties of last year, the sector has once again shown its ability to adapt and provide fruit with exceptional sweetness and texture.”

Watermelon, a fruit prized for its hydrating and refreshing qualities, is especially appreciated for its sweetness and crunchy texture. These features are achieved thanks to the firm commitment of local producers to maintaining seeded varieties, in contrast to the broader market trend toward seedless and smaller-sized watermelons. Seeded varieties allow for better control over the harvest timing, which takes place when the fruit reaches its optimal ripeness, ensuring a naturally intense flavour.

Ibiza’s City Councillor for Commerce and Markets, Alex Minchiotti, highlighted the role of municipal markets in promoting local products:

“Mercat Nou is the perfect stage to kick off a campaign as beloved as the watermelon harvest—it’s where local products come to life and connect with the community.”
He added:
“Supporting Ibiza’s watermelon means supporting local trade, sustainability, and keeping the island’s farmland alive.”

Traditionally, the first watermelons arrive at local markets by mid-June, mainly from early-harvesting areas like Es Canar and Es Figueral. The season continues until mid-September, offering a steady supply to local markets and occasionally to mainland Spain.

After a difficult 2024 season due to humid weather conditions—which promoted the emergence of uncommon fungi on the island—the sector looks ahead to 2025 with better prospects. Despite the challenges, high-quality production has been ensured thanks to the dedicated work of farmers and the technical support from the sector.

This new campaign reaffirms the significance of watermelon not only as an economic crop but also as part of the island’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. Notably, watermelon is the star ingredient of the popular “Berenada” in Puig des Molins, taking place on August 8—a traditional summer festivity on the island.

The Ibiza Island Council, committed to promoting local products, continues to support the “Sabors d’Eivissa” label under the slogan:

“Ibiza’s watermelon is health, flavor, and tradition”,
to ensure the identification and recognition of locally grown watermelon among both residents and visitors.