The majority of honeydew supplies into the US are now coming out of Central America as the Mexico season winds down. This is especially so in northern Mexico where the last shipments for the year are about to finish up.
"Honeydew imports from Sonora have for the most part concluded for the season and we are now in transition," noted Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet & Associates. "Any honeydew that is coming out of Nogales now is mostly arriving from Colima and Guerrero, the two states where most Mexican imports are coming from between January and April. On the broader US market, the majority of honeydew is being imported from Central America by sea, with the smaller volume from Mexico complementing the Central American supply."
Vandervoet added though that despite less volume coming through than at other times of the year, the Nogales deal has an important place for produce shippers over the next few months. "The advantage of the Mexican honeydew arrivals in Nogales is that it's coming into the LTL, or Less Than Load, trade," he explained. "Shippers can buy honeydews by the pallet and backload with other produce, so it's a very convenient deal."
Market better than last year
Last year, suppliers endured a tough market for honeydew in the US, but this year things are looking better. They say this is mainly because there appears to be a slight shortage in supply in proportion to the demand.
"The honeydew market is quite strong at the moment," Vandervoet observed. "With Central America being the main player during the winter, they are the ones that have the influence on prices at this time of year. Demand during winter is typically softer and we haven't seen anything out of the ordinary there. Therefore, with prices the way they are, it seems like supplies are a little below what is required at the moment."
"Consistency is the name of the game"
When it comes to promoting honeydew melons, suppliers noted the versatility and consistency of the fruit is helpful in making it a more attractive produce item to carry. Additionally, although demand is slower during the winter months, the foodservice sector is a regular buyer of honeydew throughout the year.
"When it comes to honeydew, consistency is the name of the game," Vandervoet remarked. "We see consistently good quality fruit coming out of Nogales, even during the winter. Another one of the advantages of honeydew melons is the compatibility with other vegetables when it comes to shipping them. Overall, we see a steady and consistent demand all year. In winter, honeydew melons are not highly promoted at retail, but for foodservice they are a consistent mover. People are used to seeing them in restaurants and at buffets, and also in products like fruit cups. There is an expectation for them to be available year round."
For more information:
Scott Vandervoet
Vandervoet & Associates
Ph: +1 (520) 281-0454
scott.vandervoet@gmail.com