MC Sarıkaya Gıda sources watermelon varieties, led by Crimson Sweet from various production regions across Turkey, puts it through quality control, and supplies it to domestic and export markets. You can check the harvest calendar below for current supply availability.
Watermelon is sourced from various growing regions across Turkey, particularly Antalya, Adana, Mersin, İzmir, Bursa; drawing on multiple regions helps keep supply steady and quality consistent throughout the season.
The watermelon has been the essential refreshing fruit of the summer months since Ottoman times; different regions of Anatolia are known for their own distinctive watermelon varieties.
Sizes & Calibers
| Weight (kg) | Range |
|---|---|
| 3-8 kg | Standard/small-medium caliber |
| 8-10 kg | Medium-large caliber |
| 10-12 kg+ | Large caliber |
| 1-4 kg | Mini/seedless watermelon |
Packaging Options
- Bulk truck/container loadingLoaded directly with no individual separation
- 500-1,000 kg pallet binPalletized, forklift-handled bulk shipment format
- 600×400×230 mm carton15 kg net, standard export carton
- Mini Watermelon: carton of 2-4 unitsIndividually cushioned
Featured Varieties
The world's most widely grown watermelon variety, Crimson Sweet has the classic watermelon look of dark green stripes over a light green rind, an oval shape, and a weight of 8-12 kg; its deep red, juicy, sweet flesh makes it the main export variety. Its transport-resistant rind makes it a preferred choice for long-haul shipments; the season opens in April with protected (greenhouse) cultivation in Antalya, continues in May with open-field harvests in Adana, and then moves on to Izmir, Bursa, Bilecik, and Thrace, carrying supply through October.
A large-sized variety notable for its stripeless, near-black dark green rind; known for its blood-red, crisp flesh with a high sugar content. Seedless production is common, and its long shelf life and sunburn-resistant dark rind give it an edge in summer shipments.
A small variety of 1.5-4 kg suited to single servings or small households; it is mostly grown as a seedless (triploid) type, and its early ripening puts it among the first watermelons of the season. It is a fast-growing segment in European retail, driven by demand from smaller households.
Growing & Harvest
Watermelon is a heat- and sun-loving member of the cucurbit family that is sensitive to cold; the warm plains of Antalya, Adana, and Mersin offer favorable conditions for both open-field and greenhouse production. Greenhouse growing, common in Antalya, allows an earlier start to harvest than open-field production. The season opens in April with Antalya's protected (greenhouse) production; in May, Adana's open-field harvest takes over — Adana alone accounts for roughly one fifth of Turkey's watermelon output. As summer advances, harvesting shifts to Izmir and the inner regions, then on to Bursa, Bilecik, and Thrace, keeping supply uninterrupted into autumn. Ripeness is judged by the yellowing of the ground spot where the fruit touches the soil, the drying of the tendril near the stem, and a dull sound when the rind is tapped; fruit is harvested by hand, cut from the vine.
Uses & Applications
Watermelon is eaten almost entirely fresh, valued in summer for its high water content and refreshing quality; it is also used sliced or cubed in fruit salads. The thickness and sturdiness of the rind largely protects the fruit from impact during transport. Once cut, refrigeration is recommended to preserve freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MC Sarıkaya Gıda export watermelon?
Yes, MC Sarıkaya Gıda supplies watermelon varieties, led by Crimson Sweet to both domestic and export markets. You can check our seasonal calendar page for the current harvest period, or contact us directly.
What packaging is used to ship Watermelon?
Shipments of Watermelon typically use Bulk truck/container loading or 500-1,000 kg pallet bin, in line with standard industry practice; alternative packaging options can be arranged upon request.
What is the minimum order quantity for Watermelon?
Minimum order quantity varies by product, variety, and shipment type; contact us for current details on container-load and partial (LCL) shipment options.
What is the shelf life and storage requirement for Watermelon?
Shelf life depends on the variety, ripeness level, and cold-chain conditions during transport; maintaining the right temperature and humidity throughout shipping helps preserve freshness.
How is Watermelon sorted and quality-checked before shipment?
Before shipment, products are checked for size, color, and ripeness; anything below standard is sorted out, so only export-quality batches are shipped.