Cantaloupe and Honeydew melon supply is lighter as the transition of growing regions gets underway. "It's the transition from the California west side back to Arizona and we're still in a window between the domestic season ending and the import season beginning," says Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. "So it's always a bit tumultuous as to what happens now and what kind of supply we have. Overall the fall supply looks a bit lighter than in years past."
© Westside Produce
This year, California's season saw good supply on quality fruit, though recent rains starting last month ended the season early for some growers due to muddy harvesting conditions in the fields. Meanwhile Arizona has also seen rains. "It's impacted crop yields because it appears that some bloom was knocked off and the yields might be a bit lighter," says Patricio, noting that similar muddy conditions in Arizona are also slightly challenging harvest, though that situation is expected to be resolved soon.
Weighing in on water supply
These rainy conditions are topical given earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 72 into law. The bill sets statewide water supply targets and is intended to modernize the state's water plan. However Patricio remains skeptical of this development. "I don't take a lot of stock in water supply bills. I've seen them come and go and have seen well intended bills not address the water supply properly. I've also seen lots of harm done from water supply bills," he says. "I personally take a wait and see approach. It's nice to say there's going to be an increase in supply and that bill will take care of that supply but we just don't always see it happen."
© Westside Produce
Meanwhile, the demand for melons continues to feel a bit off and that's similar to what many growers and shippers are reporting across the country on numerous commodities. "However with a lighter supply, it's hard to gauge demand because right now the demand seems pretty good just for lack of supply," Patricio adds.
As for pricing, all of this is leaving pricing similar to last year or even up slightly. How will it develop from here? "Typically our transition windows are always the most challenging in terms of getting supply and getting quality. When we get into those periods of transition, the markets always either go up or start to fall when we get back into the regular swing of things," he says.
For more information:
Garrett Patricio
Westside Produce
Tel: +1 (559) 659-3025
https://www.westsideproduce.com/
