Melon Markets Hold Mostly Steady as Regional Demand Varies

UNITED STATES - U.S. melon markets were largely steady across major shipping regions, while select California watermelon and cantaloupe sizes moved slightly higher, according to the USDA National FOB Review issued August 17, 2026.

In Delaware, Maryland, and Eastern Shore Virginia, watermelon demand was moderate, and the market was about steady, with a wide range in pricing. Red Flesh Seedless watermelons in 24-inch bins ranged from $105 to $126 for 36s, mostly $112 to $119; $112 to $126 for 45s, mostly $112 to $120; and $112 to $126 for 60s, mostly $112 to $119. Some prior commitments reached $133 for 36s and 60s and $130 to $140 for 45s.

Michigan reported light supplies, moderate demand, and an about steady watermelon market. Wet fields curtailed some morning harvest. Red Flesh Seedless watermelons in 24-inch bins ranged from $161 to $175 for 36s, 45s, and 60s, mostly $161, with occasional lower pricing. Some sales included prior commitments.

In North Carolina, watermelon demand was moderate, and the market was about steady. Red Flesh Seedless 36s ranged from $98 to $119, mostly $100 to $112, while 45s and 60s ranged from $100 to $119, mostly $105 to $112. Occasional lower pricing was reported, while some prior commitments ranged from $126 to $133.

California’s San Joaquin Valley saw mixed movement across its melon categories. Conventional cantaloupe markets were slightly higher amid moderate demand, while organic markets were about steady. Conventional half-cartons of 9s ranged from $6 to $7.95, mostly $6.50 to $7.50, while 12s ranged from $6.50 to $8.50, mostly $7 to $8. Organic 9s and 12s ranged from $13 to $16, mostly $13 to $14.

San Joaquin Valley honeydew demand was moderate, and the market was about steady. Conventional two-thirds cartons of 5s and 6s ranged from $5.95 to $8, mostly $6 to $7. Organic 5s and 6s ranged from $13 to $16, mostly $13 to $14.

California watermelon demand was fairly good for approximately 36- and 45-count fruit and moderate for approximately 60-count fruit. Markets for 36s and 45s were slightly higher, while 60s were about steady. Red Flesh Seedless 36s ranged from $133 to $154, mostly $140 to $147; 45s ranged from $133 to $147, mostly $140 to $147; and 60s ranged from $112 to $133, mostly $119 to $126.

In Southwest Indiana and Southeast Illinois, watermelon demand was fairly light, and the market was about steady, with some morning harvest curtailed due to wet fields. Red Flesh Seedless 36s and 45s ranged from $119 to $126, with occasional lower pricing. Prior commitments ranged from $133 to $154 for 36s and $140 to $154 for 45s, with occasional higher pricing. The 60-count fruit ranged from $112 to $126, mostly $112 to $119, while some prior commitments reached $133 to $154, with occasional higher pricing.

Texas watermelon demand was moderate, and the market was about steady, with a wide range in quality and condition. Red Flesh Seedless 36s ranged from $125 to $155, mostly $130 to $140, while 45s ranged from $135 to $155, mostly $135 to $140. Supplies of 60s were insufficient to establish a market.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue tracking melon demand and market movement.