After a slow start to the season, cantaloupe production is now hitting overdrive, causing prices to drop as the middle of August approaches. The beginning of the season saw fruit maturing slowly, most likely due to the higher than average humidity levels over much of California earlier this year. The San Joaquin valley region, one of the largest growing regions in the United States, has been particularly affected.
However, fruit volumes have increased towards the end of July, leading to the current saturation of the market. Many growers are now struggling to sell their product on the open market, while those with long term contracts are feeling some pressure, but admit it's normal for this time of the year. "We're seeing 9 count packs selling for around $7 or even as low as five or six dollars... some farmers are basically giving it away" says one Arizona-based producer. "Those that have a contract with retail stores are generally doing better, but the producers that don't are struggling, leading some to exit the market", he continued.
Despite the current oversupply, 2017 yields are expected to be on par with previous seasons.
Smaller scale farmers pulling out
FreshPlaza spoke with some producers who have pulled out of the market. "We're not doing cantaloupes anymore", said one Texas farmer, who said he has given up on the commodity. "We are now scaling back and concentrating on watermelons", he continued, "Cantaloupes are a touchy subject at the moment."
With prices as low as five or six dollars per 9 or 12 count containers, it's no surprise that smaller scale farmers trying to clear out their inventory are struggling to cover costs. It won't affect the more established producers though, who see the market steadying over the next couple of months, with prices set to pick up as the season scales back by the end of Fall.
