Packer Stories

04/19/2013

Cantaloupes, honeydews and specialty melons join watermelons to fill out the overall melon category, and they’re as versatile as ever in their retail offerings.

01/21/2013

Pineapple and melon shipper Pura Vida Farms has hired a new vice president.

12/10/2012

Just a few months after acquiring one of the largest Texas citrus shippers, Delano, Calif.-based Paramount Citrus plans to acquire another major player.

12/04/2012

A Discovery Channel episode of “American Farmer” featuring Crown Jewels Produce LLC is scheduled to debut Dec. 18.

11/20/2012

Importers reported excellent quality and brisk movement of Central American cantaloupes and honeydews and Mexican honeydews.

Market Scope - Honeydew — F.ob..s as of May 13

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES, ARIZ. — Crossings (44-65-75) — Movement expected about the same. Trading 6s moderate, others fairly slow. Prices 8s generally unchanged, others lower. 2/3 cartons 5s mostly $6-7, 6s $6-7, 8s mostly $5-6. Quality variable.

CENTRAL AMERICA IMPORTS — Imports (70*-46*-23) — Imports via boat from Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. Movement expected to decrease. Port of entry: South Florida. Trading slow. Prices lower. 2/3 cartons 5-6s mostly $8-9.95. Port of entry: Southern California.. Trading fairly slow. 2/3 cartons 5-6s supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. *revised.

IMPERIAL AND PALO VERDE VALLEYS, CALIF., AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (CA 0-0-1) — Movement in Imperial Valley expected to increase seasonally. Trading fairly active. Unofficial prices 2/3 cartons 5-6s $7.95-9.95. Quality generally good. Prices from trade sources. The first f.o.b. report was expected to be issued the week of May 20. Harvest expected to begin in western Arizona the week of May 20, followed by central Arizona the week of May 27. Palo Verde Valley shippers expect to begin in early June.