The market for honeydew melons has improved in recent weeks. Due to an abundance of smaller fruit entering the market last month, the price had dropped on those sizes. But with larger fruit now arriving, prices have rebounded and growers are predicting a positive second half to the Central American season.
"The market saw a glut of smaller fruit entering from Honduras in the latter part of February and into March," said Tom Ferguson of Classic Fruit. "This was due to cooler weather conditions for a period in the country. Prices were as low as $6.00 - $7.00 for 8 and 9 count fruit. Since then, however, the market has rebounded as we have seen larger fruit entering once again. Honeydew is now trading between $9.00 and $11.00 on 5 and 6 counts."
"Quality has been outstanding and we're now entering the second cycle in the Central American season, the spring crop," he added. "Early indications are that this crop is very good and we're excited to see this fruit start arriving in April. Expectations are that the market will maintain its strong position moving forward."
Lower honeydew volume overall for Central America this year
The Central American honeydew season has resulted in lower volume this year. Growers have said there are two reasons for this. One is the smaller sizing that occurred in Honduras which translated into lower yields. Secondly, some farmers decided to plant less honeydew, in favor of other melon varieties. As a result, the reduced supply has meant the market has been good for suppliers.
"We have seen a little less volume overall this year so far," Ferguson observed. "This was due to the smaller sizes out of Honduras and also because some farmers devoted more acreage to watermelon and cantaloupe production. The market has been more favorable on these items in previous seasons. However, the reduced volume has helped the honeydew market to maintain solid prices this year and overall it has been a good year."
Good prospects for the year
The Central American season spans quite a long time between the US domestic seasons, continuing for as long as half the year. Additionally, Classic Fruit has a summer domestic melon season which they are also looking forward to.
"Honeydew began arriving out of Guatemala towards the end of November, with Honduras following in the first week of the year," Ferguson said. "Both of these seasons are expected to last until the second week of May when domestic production begins in Arizona."
"We are very proud of our melon program, both offshore and domestic," he continued. "Our Guatemala farm earned the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certification in 2017. In addition to being one of the larger import melon companies, Classic Fruit also has a melon program during the California Westside season in the summer months."
Classic Fruit's Guatemala honeydew operations
For more information:
Tom Ferguson
Classic Fruit Company
Tel: +1 (954) 426-0775