An unusually cool growing season has thrown off melon growers in Arizona. With lower than usual volumes, prices have been high and demand has been strong.“It's been kind of a weird season with very strange weather,” said Doug Schaefer of EJ's Produce Sales. “We went the entire month of May without 100-degree weather, which is very strange for Phoenix.” A rainstorm earlier in the month further complicated growing conditions, so the weather has not been kind to the growing cycle.
“Stuff that was supposed to be ready isn't ready, and now it's gotten so hot that there might be damage to the vines,” said Schaefer. “Production is nothing like it's supposed to be.” On top of that, demand surged earlier this month when production on the East Coast was affected by adverse weather, so supplies from California and Arizona were further stretched. As a result, prices have been high. On June 19, prices for a carton of size 5 Honeydew melons were between $8.50 and $9.95 out of Arizona and Southern California. Prices for a half-carton of size 9 cantaloupes were between $8.00 and $12.95.
For more information:
Doug Schaefer
EJ's Produce Sales
+1 480 763 9548