Watermelons
The East Coast shipper is expanding fall production across North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Heirloom-inspired seedless watermelon features a dark green rind speckled with bright yellow “stars.”
The year-round melon supplier says retailers can expect strong early yields and high-quality fruit, with peak watermelon demand ahead.
A pair of damaging freezes in Florida this winter caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses in that state and put a squeeze on supplies out of west Mexico. Here’s a look at how some distributors are dealing with conditions this spring.
From anniversary milestones to jumbo berry trends and the debut of new commodities, exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s event focus on brand loyalty and the power of in-person connections.
The organization has made history by electing its first all-female executive officer team to lead its strategic growth and promotion efforts.
A University of Florida assessment found Toro’s Tempus automated irrigation systems saved growers an average of 873 gallons per day per acre and almost 2 hours per day in labor.
TWA says the new look and online experience reflect its mission to support the state’s vibrant watermelon industry while connecting with consumers, retailers and partners in fresh and engaging ways.
A recent USDA report quantified the value of pollination services in 2024 at over $400 million, above the $361.5 million in revenue from honey.
NASCAR driver Ross Chastain added a big win to his resume this past weekend in the Coca-Cola 600. The sixth win of his career, what most people don’t realize is Chastain is an eighth-generation watermelon farmer from Southern Florida who’s now on a mission to share ag’s story on a national stage.
Growers are optimistic about blueberries and peaches, and that excitement is also shared for the state’s other fruits and vegetables.
The company says organic melon season will run from May through December, with melons coming from California, North Carolina and Mexico.
Opportunities to showcase watermelons are growing as consumer preferences and food trends are evolving — and it is available to help foodservice operators and retailers that feature the versatile melons.
Schmieding Produce, which ships watermelons grown in most of the major watermelon areas in the U.S., has acquired North Carolina grower Moore’s Produce.
Maglio Cos., Milwaukee, Wis., has introduced new options for its Readyripe watermelon pouch.
Last week watermelon and orange content dominated Produce Market Guide searches. Strawberries, lettuce and celery rounded out the top five searches on the platform that connects produce buyers and sellers.
Federal health agencies are investigating a Salmonella Carrau outbreak involving 93 people, linked to fresh-cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon from Caito Foods, Indianapolis.
Though prices were high in early April, seasonally increasing supplies of watermelon are on tap through the summer months.
The number of people with salmonella linked to fresh-cut melons shipped by Caito Foods has increased, and the Food and Drug Administration has released a list of hundreds of retail outlets that received the products.
The National Watermelon Promotion Board’s 2019 plans include investing in nutrition research and focusing on the plant-based diet trend.
Last week on Produce Market Guide searches for watermelon and orange content dominated demand.
The Sykes Co., Rio Rico, Ariz., is now offering organic red seedless watermelons.
The Florida Watermelon Association is allocating $100,000 for research and development grants, to fight pests and diseases, study growing practices and other projects.
This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market.
Alpine Summit Sales will have an extensive line of fruits and vegetables this summer, sourcing from varied growing areas including Colorado, California and Mexico.
Georgia growers who supply mostly retailers say they’re doing fine, but as for foodservice business — well, not so much.
Charlie’s Produce, Seattle, is introducing Yumi, an organic black seedless watermelon, in mid-June.