News and Stories

Cantaloupe and honeydew prices are climbing on the West Coast. Last week’s rain curtailed harvesting schedules, resulting in fewer melons on the market. Prices will continue to inch up over the next two to three weeks as production moves into California’s San Joaquin Valley.

Cantaloupe and Honeydew

• The Arizona/California desert and Central Arizona growing regions are past peak production
• Fewer overall supplies are available, especially nine-count cantaloupe and five-count honeydew
• Growers will begin harvesting in Bakersfield and Huron in approximately two weeks; production will start on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in early July
• Water shortages in the San Joaquin Valley are resulting in fewer overall acres of melons planted, especially honeydew; expect summer prices to be higher than in past years
• Athena variety cantaloupe will be available in Georgia throughout the summer

Watermelon

• Stocks are ample in California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Mexico
• Mexican imports will remain available through June; domestic production will continue through the summer
• West Coast harvesting will be concentrated in the San Joaquin Valley; prices will be higher than normal due to fewer acres planted

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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