The effects of Hurricane Patricia, the storm that passed through Mexico in October, continues to be felt by Mexican watermelon growers. Several fields were affected, and light supplies from Mexico have made for strong prices.
“This is usually a slow period for supplies, with Sonora finishing up and Jalisco and Nayarit getting started,” said Tony Anderson of Texas Watermelon Exchange. “We would have had more watermelons right now were it not for the hurricane flooding some fields.” Last year's adverse weather also took a toll on several Mexican growers who, because of the financial strain from the previous season, didn't plant as much this year. With acreage down, supplies have been lighter. Recent weather also hasn't been helpful.
“We had a lot of rain last week, so we're behind on harvesting,” Andy Lozano of Sandia Depot. “We're not getting many melons, so the market is pretty high. Prices are around 40 cents a pound.” On December 16, prices for red seedless type 5 watermelons from Mexico were between $0.32 and $0.34 per pound.
“Prices will be like this until the second or third week of January when there are more supplies,” said Lozano. “But prices won't get really low. I think they'll be in the high 20s or mid 30s.”
For more information:
Andy Lozano
Sandia Depot
+1 956 318 0180