Melon Markets Hold Steady as Honeydews Ease in California

UNITED STATES - Melon markets were largely steady in the USDA National FOB Review for Aug. 7, with watermelon prices holding across major growing regions while conventional honeydews and cantaloupes edged slightly lower in California's San Joaquin Valley.

According to the USDA, California's San Joaquin Valley reported fairly light demand for both cantaloupes and honeydews. Conventional cantaloupe markets were slightly lower, while organic markets were about steady. Half-cartons of conventional 9s and 12s ranged from $5.95 to $7.95, mostly $6.50 to $7.50. Organic 9s and 12s were $13.00 to $16.00, mostly $13.00 to $14.00.

Conventional honeydews also moved slightly lower on fairly light demand, while organic honeydews held about steady. Conventional 2/3 cartons of 5s and 6s ranged from $5.95 to $8.50, mostly $6.50 to $7.50. Organic 5s were $14.00 to $16.00, mostly $14.00, while organic 6s ranged from $13.00 to $16.00, mostly $13.00 to $14.00.

Watermelon markets remained about steady across most shipping regions. In California, light demand kept the market steady, with 24-inch bins of seedless red flesh 36-count watermelons ranging from $133.00 to $147.00, mostly $140.00 to $147.00. Approximate 45-count bins were $133.00 to $147.00, mostly $140.00, while 60-count bins ranged from $119.00 to $140.00, mostly $126.00 to $133.00.'

On the East Coast, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia reported moderate demand and a steady market. Twenty-four-inch bins of 36s, 45s and 60s ranged from $112.00 to $126.00, mostly $112.00 to $119.00, with a few prior commitments at $133.00 to $140.00.

North Carolina also reported a steady watermelon market despite fairly heavy supplies. Moderate demand supported 24-inch bins of 36s at $98.00 to $112.00, while 45s and 60s ranged from $98.00 to $119.00, mostly $98.00 to $112.00. Some prior commitments reached $126.00 to $133.00.

In Southeast Missouri, very light supplies and moderate demand kept the market steady. Twenty-four-inch bins of 36s ranged from $105.00 to $119.00, mostly $112.00 to $119.00, while 45s and 60s were quoted at $112.00 to $119.00. Previous commitments reached $126.00 to $133.00.

Southwest Indiana and Southeast Illinois also maintained steady watermelon markets with moderate demand. Twenty-four-inch bins of 36s, 45s, and 60s ranged from $112.00 to $126.00, mostly $119.00, with prior commitments generally higher.

Texas reported a steady watermelon market under light demand. Approximate 36-count bins ranged from $125.00 to $155.00, mostly $130.00 to $140.00, while 45-count bins were $135.00 to $155.00, mostly $135.00 to $140.00. Supplies of approximately 60-count fruit were insufficient to establish a market.

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