Expanded melon output is expected this summer from Los Angeles-based Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms, according to Josh Leichter, CEO.
The company will see expanded production of the Kiss melon line this year, including Sugar Kiss, Honey Kiss, Summer Kiss and the Kiss Limon melon, Leichter said at The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expo in mid-May. Those varieties are typically available from June through October.
Growing conditions have been favorable. “The crop itself is looking quite good,” he said.
The Kiss Limon melon was a new melon a year ago, and the variety is finding fans, Leichter said. The variety offers a hint of lemon flavor and is grown both in Yuma, Ariz. and Huron.
The shipper also markets Tuscan-Style Extra Sweet Cantaloupes, SunnyGold Mini Seedless Watermelon (available from April to September) and PureHeart Mini-Seedless Watermelons (available year-round).
Demand is expected steady and strong this year after a very good 2020, he said.
“We couldn’t supply all the demand we had last summer,” he said.
Added water, labor and packaging/pallet costs are adding $1.50 per carton to packed costs compared with a year ago, he said, and trucking costs have also increased. Going forward, higher water costs and questions about water availability have the potential to decrease melon production in California, he said.
