Melons

Fyffes is offering year-round assistance to its workers in melon fields in Honduras and Guatemala.

Growers in California’s Kern County say their vegetable and fruit crops typically are starting a week or so later than usual this spring, but ample rainfall and plenty of chill hours during the winter should result in abundant supplies and very good quality this spring.

Melons may be summer’s candy, arguably, but they’re available from California, Delaware, Missouri and Texas through October, and year-round in Mexico. Try these steps to achieve melon merchandising success.

The strategic marketing alliance will provide cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and mixed melons to retail, foodservice and fresh-cut customers.

In mid-November, Nogales, Ariz.-based EarthBlend was receiving a steady supply of Sonoran soft squash and cucumbers, and Sinaloa volume was about to kick in, says Steve Spence, director of sales.

Melon production got off to a slightly later start than usual in many areas of the U.S., Mexico and Central America this spring, but growers are optimistic about the quality coming out of the fields.

The Ayco Farms and Fisher collaboration is aimed at supplying a year-round assortment of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew and various mixed melons.

Using sustainable and organic growing practices, Del Bosque Farms delivers common and specialty melon varieties to a growing consumer base.

The company says it is set to acquire the assets of V.H. Azhderian and Co., which has operated in several key locations during its more than 100-year history.