Cooler temperatures in the Coachella Valley have prompted the watermelon season to begin around May 14. Supplies are limited due to high winds in the area, which have damaged some of the earlier plantings. Mexico is also facing its own issues.
"The Mexican regions of Hermosillo and Guaymas have started, however Guaymas has been affected by disease in the fields, resulting in very bad yields," Dabich continued. "Hermosillo will have better numbers from next week but overall numbers there are down, also due to disease pressure."
Market slightly higher
With issues facing current supply, prices are moderately strong, though not exceptionally high due to slower pull at retail. "Prices are between 18c and 23c depending on quality," Dabich said. "There just hasn't been the volume that has been seen in past years. With the different weather patterns affecting different regions, it's caused volume to be sporadic."
Supplies are set to improve once the remainder of California's growing districts begin their season. Quality is looking good so far and growers are predicting a solid season. "Once Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley gets started by the end of June to early July, we expect to see some good numbers," he said. "Early indications are that the crop will start with good quality, but it is still early."
Dabich said they have a few promising programs coming up this season. "We are expecting a good crop of Sun Smart organic mini watermelons as well as Sun Smart conventional minis from the San Joaquin Valley starting from the end of June," he shared. "We also plan on having Sun Smart yellow seedless watermelons out of Coalinga once that areas starts. The yellow watermelons have a similar flavor profile to the traditional red, but it certainly looks very appealing. People eat with their eyes and this highly visual fruit is becoming something they want to eat."
For more information:
Steve Dabich
United Watermelon Distributors
Tel: +1 (213) 627-5061