Central American watermelon prices strong

Light supplies of watermelons from Mexico have kept prices high for watermelon imports coming into the United States. With Mexican supplies limited, Central American shippers have an opportunity to take advantage of a relatively empty market.

“Prices are great,” said Brad Edmonds with Central American Produce in Florida. “We're seeing prices of around $0.55 a pound or about $35.00 a box. That's pretty high, and it's been pretty constant. There's a lot of demand because there's not a lot coming out of Mexico.” Central American Produce pulls its supply of watermelons from Guatemala and Honduras, and those countries haven't had the weather problems that Mexican growers have had to deal with.

Edmonds believes the market will stay like it is until Mexican shippers can increase the amount of fruit they ship to the United States. It's only a matter of time before that happens, but until then, high prices will stick around.

“I'm guessing it will be the middle of February when there will be more product,” said Edmonds. “Prices will then adjust based on volumes, but, so far, we've had a lot of sales during this window of time.”

For more information:

Brad Edmonds