The Northwest organic melon season will start harvesting in mid-July. "The Northwest had a dry spring, which is good for the crop, followed by heat in June," said Organically Grown Company's melon buyer Rachel Pienovi, adding that the season runs until mid-September. "The supply looks good and promises to be delicious. We expect volumes similar to last year."
OGC's Northwest grower partners are located in Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon, notably Hermiston. "Melons thrive in the region's arid growing conditions. The dry heat allows growers to control irrigation and dial in the taste and texture," says Pienovi, noting that melons are also offered from west of the Cascade Mountains.
For the company, this is the third year with its exclusive Oregon-grown, organic, dry-farmed melons. These high-flavor, smaller-sized melons are a specialty item for the company, grown using a dry farming process that uses significantly less water and relies on soil amendments to help plants make the most of the groundwater. This helps conserve resources and concentrates flavor.
Varietal options
The Northwest organic melon program includes Cantaloupe, Green Honeydew, Snow Leopard, Mini Seedless Watermelon, Seeded and Seedless Watermelon, as well as the more unique and sweet Black Seedless Watermelon. "These classic varieties are the foundation of every successful melon set," says Pienovi.
© Organically Grown Co.
The organic Black Seedless Watermelons are a key item in the company's Ladybug Brand® melon lineup and are delivered in boldly branded bins for eye-catching merchandising in produce departments or outdoors. The melons are available now via the company's grower partners in California and will soon be available from Northwest farms.
The Ladybug Brand melon program also includes Northwest-grown specialty types and dry-farmed melons, including Hami, Canary, Charentais, Orange Honeydew, Sugar Cube, Piel de Sapo, and Tuscan. "These are all known for their depth of complex flavors, sizes, and shapes," says Pienovi.
Expectations on movement?
So, how is demand anticipated to look this season? "We help our customers create demand and drive sales by offering varietals that stand out on display. We also have tools to educate and inspire them to merchandise with key varietals–point-of-purchase signs to build interest, cut melons for color excitement, and passive and active sampling," says Pienovi. "Shoppers are reaching for melons as a healthy treat to beat the heat, and for summertime entertaining and creative no-cook meals."
The company also works to offer melons in a variety of sizes for shoppers. "We don't want people to be intimidated by melon purchases," adds Pienovi.
As for pricing, prices are expected to be similar to last year, and Northwest supply will be promotable through September. Sustaining interest in September can be a challenge though. "That's when some of the best Northwest melons of the season are available," says Pienovi.
For more information:
Amy Brown
Organically Grown Company
Tel: +1 (503) 341-3795
[email protected]
https://www.organicgrown.com
