Watermelons

After Florida Freezes, West Mexico Shippers Eye Robust Spring Amid High Prices

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:41:33 GMT

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. As a result, prices of Mexican produce were sent skyrocketing. Here’s a look at how some distributors near the Nogales, Ariz., port of entry are dealing with conditions this spring.

Ciruli Bros.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. has a substantial mango program and ships vegetables like cucumbers, squash and eggplant.

“We’ve had some of the highest prices I’ve seen in the past 30 years I’ve been doing this,” says partner Chris Ciruli.

Prices should settle down when the U.S. starts producing again in late March, he says.

The company also has experienced growth in demand for organic items including squash, peppers, cucumbers and cabbage.

Ciruli Bros.’ mango deal kicked off the last week of February with the “first-flower” harvest. Second flower was expected to begin around March 23.

That will lead into Easter business, Ciruli says, with clear sailing for harvesting and preparing for Cinco de Mayo.

“We’re trending ahead of where Mexico was harvesting for 2025,” he said the first week of March.

The company was shipping 100% Champagne mangoes in March and will begin round varieties after Easter, April 5.

“Pricing has been challenging,” he says.

Freight costs have risen, and the U.S.-Mexico currency exchange rate is not favorable. Last year the rate was 18 pesos per dollar. This year it has dropped to 16 pesos per dollar, Ciruli says.

Core products from Rio Rico, Ariz.-based IPR Fresh are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development. The company has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, he says.

(Photo courtesy of IPR Fresh)

IPR Fresh

Rio Rico-based IPR Fresh has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development.

“We also increased production with our existing grower partners, securing additional acreage and boosting overall bell pepper volume,” he says.

The company’s core products are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers.

Weather conditions have been favorable for nearly the entire season in central and western Mexico, Munger says, adding that he’s confident market conditions will stay steady into spring.

“Cooler than normal weather in the southeastern U.S. this winter has kept demand strong, resulting in markets for west Mexico hothouse bell peppers that have remained very firm and slightly above historical averages for most of the season,” he says.

Quality and sizing have been strong for most of the season as well.

“Looking ahead to the remainder of the west Mexico program, we’re confident that this consistency will continue,” Munger says.

Grower Alliance

“Prices are through the roof right now on everything — green bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, watermelons, honeydews, hot peppers,” Jorge Quintero Jr., partner at Grower Alliance LLC in Rio Rico, said in early March.

Prices on up to 90% of the company’s items are strong because of the weather issues in Florida, he says.

“We’ve been able to see some really high prices to offset the bad prices we saw in the fall,” Quintero says.

Quality problems have been minimal, he says. However, some green beans have experienced whitefly infestations that don’t usually materialize until mid-April.

“[Green bean] yields probably will be lower, but with prices where they are right now, we should be able to come out all right,” he says.

The company’s volume should be similar to last year, if not a bit larger, Quintero says.

Caribe yellow chili peppers are among a number of items shipped by Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Rich River Produce LLC, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager. The company is expanding its warehouse by 20,000 square feet this spring, he says.

(Photo courtesy of Rich River Produce LLC)

Rich River

Rio Rico-based Rich River Produce LLC has experienced a hectic season, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager.

“Things started out sky high in October, then came off, then went up again after the freeze happened in Florida,” he says. “We’re expecting to have a strong finish to our season, which will probably go until June.”

The company has seen good but not great production out of west Mexico, he says.

“We are expecting good pricing and good order flow,” he adds.

Quality was looking good for new items now coming out of Hermosillo, Guaymas and Obregon in Sonora, he says. But the same could not be said for the tail end of the deal out of Sinaloa, which will wrap up around the end of March.

“Prices are high, quality is fair,” out of Sinaloa, he says.

“We’re running into issues here and there,” Duarte adds. “We’re not looking at diamonds, but they’re the same amount of money as if they were diamonds.”

Volume at Rich River Produce should be a bit higher than last year because growers were not sending out as much product a year ago because of low markets.

“Right now, with the situation the way it is, they’re sending us everything because they’re getting really good prices for it,” he says.

MAS Melons & Grapes

Rio Rico-based MAS Melons & Grapes will kick off its new honeydew program around April 1 and start watermelons the week of April 12, says Miguel Suarez Jr., sales manager. Good weather should bring on good quality, he says. Volume should be about the same as last year.

“Markets and quality are all pointing in a positive direction,” he says.

Honeydews and watermelons will continue to be shipped out of southern Mexico until the end of March and into April.

“That will take us into our northern Mexico deal probably pretty flawlessly,” he says.

The company also ships butternut squash and kabocha squash.

“The workhorse definitely in the summer is our watermelon and honeydew programs,” Suarez says.

The company has pulled back a bit from table grapes. The Mexican grape deal traditionally has been 10 to 12 weeks in the spring and summer, he says, but that has shrunk to about eight weeks.

“The majority of our acreage was in Caborca, which is the later part of the deal, which is becoming a little bit of a challenge,” he says.

Also, retailers tend to seek out year-round suppliers.

“We were basically a boutique grape company,” he says.

But Suarez is optimistic for the future.

“I do believe the boutique grape will be back at one point,” he says.

Your next read:
$3B in Losses Estimated in Florida Freeze

Innovation and Celebration Take Center Stage at SEPC Southern Exposure

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:21:00 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. — The energy at this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure was palpable as industry leaders gathered to showcase the future of the produce aisle. The following highlights from the show floor capture how top brands are leveraging premium packaging, fair trade storytelling and new product categories to capture the modern consumer’s attention.

Taylor Hazelwood and Hailey Clark are shown at Sun Belle’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Taylor Hazelwood, vice president of sales for Sun Belle, says a trend she’s seeing is the evolution of the berry category and berry marketing.

“Anything that’s larger in size, the jumbos, the premium lines,” she says. “You’re seeing a little bit of a hit on convenience. You’re starting to see that come into play in some of the packs.”

Hailey Clark, marketing director for Sun Belle, says the berry category looks to pull in new shoppers.

“You have your traditional berry shoppers, but what about the person who is willing to spend a little more for a pack that they can throw in their kids’ lunchbox and they know it’s healthy?” she says.

Clark says Sun Belle seeks to keep not only its core customers happy, but it also looks to new consumers excited to try new flavors and eating experiences.

“It’s still healthy, it’s still reliable, it’s still a great option, but what can we do differently? What’s exciting?” she says. “I think the berry industry is diving into that a lot now, and it’s really fun, and we can do that through packaging, we can do that through variety-specific berries, through branding.”

Clark says branding helps build consumer loyalty.

“People look for brands; they become loyal to a brand if they have a really spectacular experience,” she says. “They want to look for that label again.”

Marianne Stamatelos, Shelby Dwyer, Madison Hopper and Kim Chackal are shown at Equifruit’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Equifruit celebrates its 20th anniversary in a big way at the SEPC event with a caricaturist sketching booth visitors.

Kim Chackal, co-owner and vice president of sales and marketing for Equifruit, says that as the fair trade organic banana company marks its “Bananaversary,” many people are surprised to learn the company has been in existence for that long.

“We did a great job building brand awareness,” she says. “We have great feedback on marketing. People see the Equifruit booth as a destination, and people understand the brand.”

But the focus now turns to how fair trade organic bananas can help lead the category into more growth, Chackal says.

Whitney Lett and Dan Murphy are shown at Fresh from Florida’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Whitney Lett, supervisor of retail and international trade for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, says Southern Exposure is a chance to reconnect with current partners and discuss promotions and plans.

The show is also about maintaining relationships, and she says she’s met with new retailers who learned about the programs available at the show.

“It’s night and day when you see them in person,” she says.

Nora Sherlock, Florida Watermelon Queen Shanie Keene, National Watermelon Queen Elanie Mason and Jill Barton are shown at the Jim Rash booth at Southern Exposure 2026.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

While a lot of the conversation at the Jim Rash booth focused on watermelon and a visit from both the Florida and national watermelon queens, many visitors talked about strawberries, says Jill Barton, president of Jim Rash.

“It’s a new commodity for us,” she notes.

Barton says Southern Exposure is a favorite event of hers, adding that she loves to connect with everyone at the show.

“This show is different because of the Southeast Produce Council,” she says.

National Watermelon Promotion Board Marks Milestone With Newly Elected Leadership

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:29:07 GMT

The National Watermelon Promotion Board marked a milestone for the organization and the watermelon industry during its spring 2026 board meeting, electing all-female executive officers for the first time in its history.

The election took place Feb. 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla., alongside the National Watermelon Association convention, bringing together industry leaders from across the country to chart the future of watermelon promotion and growth.

Elected to lead the board is Jill Barton (District 1) as president. Renee Goodwin (District 4) was reelected and will now serve as vice president, while Camille Lombardo (District 5) was reelected to continue her role as secretary and treasurer.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board says that, together, the leadership team reflects the depth of experience, collaboration and forward-thinking vision driving the organization.

The executive committee is rounded out by Bailey Leger (District 2), Tony Moore (District 3), Chris Dyer (importer) and ex officio member Lee Wroten (District 2), who will support the board’s strategic priorities and national initiatives.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 12-13 in Orlando, Fla. More information about the National Watermelon Promotion Board and its initiatives is available at watermelon.org .

Automation Takes Valve Flipping Out of Watermelon Farming

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:36:54 GMT

Even drip irrigation can be made more efficient with comparatively simple, adaptable irrigation automation technology. So says the finding of a University of Florida assessment into watermelon growers in northern Florida’s Suwannee Valley.

Tyler Pittman, the UF Extension agent who conducted the 2024 assessment, explains that watermelon growers in the area already used drip tape under plastic tarping with manual or diesel pumps. Because watermelons benefit from frequent short waterings , and fertilizer efficiency is heavily impacted by proper irrigation, that means a lot of valve flipping for growers.

But the crop is also transient, maybe growing in the same field only once every seven to 10 years according to Pittman, meaning traditional automated irrigation technology built for permanent or consistent crops are difficult for watermelon growers. Pittman wanted to help change that.

“We started with what looked like analog garden timers on water-operated valves,” he says. “We did that with two farmers on about 80 acres as a proof of concept that we could automate this process and take the valve flipping out of the farming so that they could irrigate differently. From there, Toro organically came into the space with Tempus.”

In the 2024 assessment, four area watermelon growers collectively farming 1,883 acres, using Toro’s Tempus AG controller, reported using 24% less water, or an average of 873 gallons, per day irrigating. That amounted to roughly 164 million gallons, or 503 acre-feet, of water saved over the course of the 100-day watermelon growing season in the region.

“We’re flirting with saving more than 696 million gallons of water each year if the farmers of all 8,000 acres of watermelon in the region adopt this technology,” said Pittman in a UF spotlight on the assessment .

Participants in the assessment also reported spending, on average, 1.7 fewer hours in the field per day. One participant reported eliminating three staff as a result of the automation, saving $36,000 over the course of the 100-day growing period, according to an assessment results document.

About the controller

Adoption of irrigation automation in Suwannee Valley’s watermelon growers grew rapidly between 2022 when Pittman conducted his initial proof-of-concept trial on 80 acres to 2024 with the larger assessment. Toro’s Tempus systems have been popular among growers.

“The funny part about [the 2024 assessment] is I was trying to find demo farms for the Toro system, and everybody turned me down,” Pittman says. “Usually, farmers don’t turn down free equipment. But the reason they were turning me down is because they had already purchased it themselves, and that was a testament to the utility of it.”

Tony Tavares, marketing communications manager for Toro, explains the Tempus AG is a controlling automation system developed to be easy to use and install. They are battery powered and use “LoRa” technology that allows for long-range, low-power communication.

This means they “can be installed directly at the valve rather than in a centralized location,” he says. “This makes it very easy to re-deploy the system in different configurations each year as field layouts and irrigation needs change between seasons.”

He adds that the controllers can be operated via Bluetooth by any Android or iOS devices. To use the systems remotely, the controllers need to be in WiFi range or can connect to 4G via base stations provided by Toro.

“I would say probably 90% of the operations here have put in Tempest because it didn’t require the infrastructure and it was simple to install,” says Pittman, adding that the region’s watermelon growers rarely have electricity in the field.

“So having the ability to run something off of 12 volt with solar power that can automate a field, but also be picked up and moved next year to another field, was kind of the big selling point for a lot of our growers,” he adds.

Texas Watermelon Association Launches New Website, Logo

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:51:41 GMT

The Texas Watermelon Association (TWA), representing watermelon growers and shippers across the Lone Star State, has launched a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and redesigned website .

As a top five watermelon-producing state in the U.S., Texas plays a major role in feeding the nation’s appetite for this iconic summertime fruit, according to a news release. 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.

“Texas watermelons are big, bold and rooted in tradition — and our new brand reflects that,” says TWA President Kristin Story. “This update brings new energy to our mission and helps share the pride, hard work and community behind every watermelon grown in Texas.”

Kristin Story is the president of the Texas Watermelon Association.

(Photo courtesy of the Texas Watermelon Association)

The redesigned website aims to provide an easy-to-navigate platform for industry members and consumers alike. Visitors will find tools and information that highlight the value of Texas-grown watermelons, including:

Grower and shipper spotlights.
Industry and retailer resources.
Nutrition facts and educational materials.
News on events, promotions and the annual Texas Watermelon Queen program.

The launch of the new brand marks a strategic step forward as TWA continues its commitment to grow awareness and appreciation for Texas-grown watermelons — from the field to the fork, according to the release.

“We’re not just modernizing our brand — we’re amplifying the voices of Texas watermelon producers,” Story says. “This is about celebrating the generations of farming families who make Texas a leader in the watermelon industry.”

The TWA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1961 to support and promote the Texas watermelon industry. Through education, marketing and advocacy, TWA says it works to ensure the success of its growers, shippers and members across the state. The association also hosts the annual Texas Watermelon Queen program and partners with national organizations to promote watermelon consumption year-round.

Bees More Valuable for Pollination Than for Honey

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:41:13 GMT

The USDA Economic Research Service released the June Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook on June 18. Though the monthly report is focused on sugar prices and production and import volume, this month’s report also included key reviews of both the U.S. honey market and the market for honeybee pollination services. As it turns out, the value of pollination in 2024 eclipsed that of honey for the third year in a row.

“The honeybee pollination service market has become increasingly valuable for domestic beekeepers,” read the report by ERS agricultural economist Vidalina Abadam and research agricultural economist D. Adeline Yeh. “Since 2022, the total value of pollination service in the United States has surpassed that of honey production.”

In 2024, the total value of pollination services was just over $400 million. Growers paid for honeybees to pollinate 1.7 million acres, what the report called “total paid pollination acreage.” This compares to the $362 million value of the 134 million pounds of domestic honey produced in 2024.

California, Almonds and Pollination

One crop in one state dominates the pollinator services market: California almonds.

“Almond pollination alone generated $325.8 million in 2024, or about 81 percent of total U.S. pollination service receipts,” the report read.

Some of that value was because of the sheer volumes of honeybees needed to pollinate California almonds. An estimated 2 million beehives are transported to California to pollinate the almond orchards. That represents effectively all of total colonies in the U.S. at the beginning of 2024, according to the report.

This level of colony density needed for almond pollination makes the early reports from 2025 showing extreme colony loss, estimated at 1.1 million , all the more concerning. Researchers have linked the extreme losses earlier this year to alarmingly high levels of viral infections — vectored by Varroa mites with resistant genes to a common treatment.

The volumes of bees needed to effectively pollinate almonds, and the need to truck the colonies to California, also meant the crop saw the highest average pollination fee in 2024 at about $181 per colony, almost triple the average of $66 per colony for all other crops. On a per-acre basis, it cost $305 per acre to pollinate California almonds.

“The higher cost of almond pollination is largely attributed to the crop’s early blooming season (which requires beekeepers to bring honeybee colonies out of dormancy), the non-marketability of almond honey, and the larger number of colonies needed per acre relative to other pollinator-dependent crops,” the report read.

Pollination in Other States and Crops

USDA Economic Research Service Chart of Note, No.112782

(Image courtesy of the USDA Economic Research Service)

While California and almonds specifically dominated the pollinator services market in 2024, other regions had their own high-value crops for pollinators.

According to the December 2024 Cost of Pollination report , the following were the top crops and across-the-region costs for pollination service costs throughout U.S. regions:

Northeast — Pollination services for cranberries totaled $5.59 million. The price per colony and price per acre pollinated for the region as a whole were $88.80 and $188, respectively.
Southeast — Blueberries topped the region, with total pollination services at $3.6 million. For the region overall, colonies cost $68 and $144 per acre pollinated.
South — The top crop for pollinator service costs was watermelons at $1.95 million. Across the region, colonies averaged $69.60 dollars per colony, and it cost $85.50 to pollinate an acre.
Midwest and Mountain — Apples dominated the pollinator services market in this region, representing $167,000. The price per colony averaged $59.60 and per-acre costs averaged $54.70.
Pacific Northwest — Apples dominated this region as well, representing $6.28 million. Across the state, colony costs were $58.10 per colony, and it averaged $56.70 per acre to pollinate.

Your next read:

Ross Chastain's Win in the Coca Cola 600 is a Big Win for Agriculture and the Florida Watermelon Industry

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:07:51 GMT

In a remarkable story of resilience, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain won his first race of the season on Sunday, marking his sixth win of his career.

What made the win at the Coca Cola 600 so impressive is he actually started the race in last position after a crash during practice on Saturday meant he was unable to set a lap time in qualifying. But what makes the win even more remarkable is he was in a backup car.

The first win of the season meant he also got to smash a watermelon in victory lane to celebrate, which is a tradition he started to toast to his farming ties. Chastain, who’s known as The Watermelon Man, because of his family’s background in watermelon farming.

“This thing is fresh from Florida,” Chastain said with a laugh after his win. “It just came up from our family farm. Man, for the Florida watermelon industry, that’s your watermelons you’re getting right now, so y’all better go buy a dang watermelon to celebrate. I want to see videos of smashed watermelons flood the socials. I want to see it. Florida watermelons are in season.”

As a Kid, Chastain Just Wanted to Farm

Behind the wheel of this No. 1 Chevrolet ZL1 race car is exactly where you’ll find Ross Chastain today, but growing up on a farm in southern Florida, NASCAR wasn’t his original dream. As a kid, all Chastain wanted to do was farm.

“I wanted to be like my dad and like my granddaddy and my uncle and be like those guys that told me stories of our ancestors and generations before us growing up in south Georgia during the hard times, but seeing we were living through good times,” says Chastain.

Chastain’s father, a seventh-generation watermelon farmer, raced as a hobby. Chastain and his brother, Chad, are the eighth generation. His family got their start in south Georgia before moving to southern Florida in the 1950s. It’s a place his brother and the rest of his family still farm today.

“Even as I started in NASCAR I thought it was just still a hobby, and I going to school, even started college to get a business education to try to be a little better well versed in what the farm was going to be tasked with in the next couple decades,” says Chastain. “But I never went back. I moved to North Carolina in 2012 and decided to make this a career.”

How He Got His Start in Racing

While his dad raced as a hobby, Chastain is a first-generation NASCAR driver. With a natural love to be behind the wheel, Chastain says he was infatuated with driving anything he could as a kid.

“I just remember driving stuff,” he says. “My dad would have me drive things on the farm as a kid. And then when I first raced, it was late 2005, and my dad asked if I wanted to try driving a race truck. So, he let me drive it around our packing house first. We had a metal building that we packed the watermelons in. It had a shell with dirt driveway around it, and he let me drive until I got going too fast.”

After a couple of laps, his dad stopped him and said, “Let’s go to the track.”

“So, we packed up that Friday night, went over to the track I remember the first time on the track, then that Saturday night racing,” Chastain says. “I crashed, but I fell in love with it. And it didn’t scare me. It was something I liked. I wasn’t good at it by any means, but I fell in love early on.”

Chastain says he was hooked, not only to the adrenaline rush of racing, but also hooked to the wrecker after he crashed.

“But they pulled the bumper bar back out, my dad did, it was still hooked to the wrecker,” he says. “He hooked the chain to the four-wheeler and jerked the bumper out and sent me back out. He asked, ‘Do you want to go back out?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I want to finish the race.’”

Chastain Wants to Share the Story of Agriculture

The Ross Chastain on the track is a fierce competitor whose goal is to win, but off the track he wants to share the story of ag.

“A lot of what I want to do now is tell the stories,” says Chastain. “I want to tell our family’s story. I think I’ve done a decent job of that, but also other farmers.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Like a Farmer (@likeafarmerpodcast)

Through a series called “Ag to Asphalt,” Chastain is shining a light on agriculture and bringing those stories to a national stage.

“To grow our food here in the us is only getting harder, and there are less people and less families involved all the time,” he says. “I like hanging out with farmers. So, if i get to go and hang out with them for the afternoon, see their operation, let them tell their story, show off their family, let him brag a little, and then sit around on the tailgate when we’re all done and have a Busch Light. I mean, I am the Busch Light guy, I’m a beer drinker, and we get to sit around and then just, once the cameras are off, just hang out and actually get to know them. One, selfishly, that’s cool. I like that, and i have this unique platform to share it.”

My family farm, and family farms all across our country are harvesting, farming, or planting watermelons.

🍉 Fact! You need 3️⃣ things to grow watermelon ➡️ ☀️ 🐝 💧 #MelonPartner #WatermelonEveryday pic.twitter.com/4X27vquUyY
— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) May 8, 2025

Social Media Amplifies His Love for Ag

With nearly 140,000 followers on Instagram and 130,000 followers on X , Chastain is making an impact both on and off the track

“I have a social media platform, and I have the NASCAR platform to amplify it,” says Chastain. “The main job is to go race on Sundays, but if on a Thursday afternoon I can travel in early to a race weekend like here and go out to a farm, that’s cool for me, and I like that. No one is making me do it, but I like it, and it’s rewarding to see these operations and see how they’re adapting, what the new technology is and how they are continuing to survive .. and it can be scary at times to think about American ag and agriculture in general, but there’s families out here doing it.

At just 32 years old, Chastain hopes he gets to continue his dream of racing for years to come. But what does he want his legacy to be? Well, it’s twofold.

“Winning on Sundays is the ultimate goal, and then agriculture gets to come along with that; all the extra stuff gets to come along with that, but my life’s goal is to win more in Cup,” he says.

Chastain’s main sponsor partners include Busch Light, Kubota, Chevrolet, Trackhouse and more, but he is also sponsored by several agricultural companies, including New Leaf Symbiotics.

Watch the U.S. Farm Report segment featuring Ross Chastain’s journey to NASCAR and life on the farm.

Georgia spring and summer crops yield good news

Thu, 22 May 2025 21:08:01 GMT

More than 30 kinds of fruits and vegetables are produced in Georgia each year, and growers are sharing positive reports on the latest harvests.

“We are expecting a very good crop across all of our spring and summer fruits and vegetables,” said Matthew Kulinski, director of marketing for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Blueberries and peaches all look good in early spring, and we’re hoping for a great season with watermelons and sweet corn as well.”

Corbett Brothers Farms

Lake Park, Ga.-based Corbett Brothers Farms LLC offered watermelon and sweet corn for the first time last year and will bring them back this summer, said Justin Corbett, a partner in the company with his brother, Jared. Both products performed well, he said, and will start up for summer on May 20. They’ll be available until July 4.

The company has already started harvesting squash, cucumbers, bell pepper and specialty peppers and will launch an eggplant program on May 20. The summer season will end around the Fourth of July, and the fall season will kick off in early September with the same commodities.

This growing season in Georgia has been unusually dry, Corbett said.

“We haven’t had much measurable rain for the last month or so,” he said. But with drip irrigation, the company is able to manage its water successfully.

Temperatures have been moderate for the area, too.

“It’s about 85 degrees — perfect growing conditions right now,” Corbett said May 7.

“I’m expecting exceptional quality on everything,” he said, adding that volume should be normal this season.

Troy Bland, CEO of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms, checks out some the company’s Vidalia sweet onions. Although there were a few chilly days and even a light snowfall during the winter, the Vidalia sweet onion crop bounced back, and the company ended up with a great harvest, he says.

(Photo courtesy of Bland Farms)

Bland Farms

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms finished its Vidalia onion harvest in early May and was planting Sand Candy sweetpotatoes in Georgia and North Carolina, said CEO Troy Bland.

“We are pleased to be able to offer sweetpotatoes year round, especially as there has been a shortage,” he said.

Although there were a few chilly days and even a light snowfall this winter, the Vidalia sweet onion crop bounced back, and the company ended up with a great harvest, he said. The firm had a bumper crop last year, but this season will be more typical.

When the Vidalia sweet onion season ends in August, Bland Farms will transition to its Peru premium sweet onion program, which will last through February. Then, the sweet onion deal will move to Mexico.

The company also sources sweet onions from Nevada and California.

“We continue to offer promotable volumes of sweet onions year round,” Bland said.

Bland Farms offers organic as well as conventionally grown sweet onions and added a laser weeder to its organic Vidalia sweet onion fields, he said.

“We are testing out two units that help eliminate weeds faster, cut down on labor and promote faster growth,” Bland said. “It’s just another way we’re investing in sustainability, which is a core value for the company.”

As part of its Vidalia promotion, Bland Farms launched its Savor Summer’s Sweetest Moments campaign to build brand awareness and celebrate the season.

The company gave away VIP tickets to see country music singer Clint Black at the Vidalia Onion Festival and has even more in mind, including fresh summer recipes, a curated sweet summer playlist and engaging social media content, he said.

And to support its retail partners and their marketing efforts, Bland Farms developed a retail toolkit, complete with images and ready-to-use social media content.

“We’re continuing to expand and enhance this resource so they can easily incorporate it into their advertising and social channels,” Bland said.

Workers put up Vidalia sweet onions for Shuman Farms, Reidsville, Ga. The company will ship Vidalia onions in its RealSweet and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh bags through Labor Day, says John Shuman, president and CEO.

(Photo courtesy of Shuman Farms)

Shuman Farms

Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms, will ship Vidalia onions in its RealSweet and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh bags through Labor Day, said John Shuman, president and CEO.

“Despite weather challenges during the growing period, our crop looks good with good quality and size profiles,” Shuman said. “We are encouraging our retailer partners to support the season both bag and bulk promotions.”

Shuman Farms plans to continue to build on the momentum the company has created over the past four years through its Shuman Farms University initiative, Shuman said.

“Educating our retailer partners’ produce teams about Vidalia onions has been a priority for us, and this year we’re refreshing our digital content and resources to take that to the next level,” he said.

Educational-focused initiatives have included its lunch-and-learns, Vidalia 101 content and an interactive Vidalia quiz. All are designed to enhance produce team knowledge of the sweet onion category and Vidalia onions, Shuman said.

“Our refreshed program for 2025 takes edutainment to the next level by making the content more accessible, engaging and fun,” he added.

Shuman Farms also works closely
with its retail partners to develop customized marketing programs, in-store promotions and digital content that are intended to help drive category sales, according to Shuman.

“We’re also looking forward to leveraging our expanded infrastructure following our Generation Farms acquisition (in 2023), which has given us the ability to increase our storage, packing capacity and overall efficiency,” he said.

Morning Kiss kicks off its organic melon program

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:43:49 GMT

Morning Kiss Organic announced May 12 the return and expansion of its organic melon program, which includes mini seedless watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews. The company said that — with its sourcing coming from Mexico, California and North Carolina — the program is designed to deliver melons throughout the summer and into early winter.

“Nothing captures the essence of summer like fresh organic melon,” Nelly Czajkowski, sales manager at Morning Kiss Organic, said in a news release. “These fruits are not only delicious and healthy but also a smart way for retailers to boost organic sales during the peak summer months.”

Morning Kiss Organic called the outlook for this summer’s melon crop very promising, saying it expects excellent volume out of California’s Central Valley. Such volume would support robust promotional activity throughout July and August, it added.

Morning Kiss Organic’s season will run from May through early December, with East Coast-grown mini seedless watermelons available from late June through early August. The company said it is looking forward to bringing in melons from a North Carolina grower.

National Watermelon Board offers help to boost sales

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:40:48 GMT

There’s no denying the popularity of watermelons. U.S. per capita consumption of the fruit was nearly 17 pounds in 2023, the latest year for which figures are available.

The Winter Springs, Fla.-based National Watermelon Promotion Board says 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.

On the foodservice side, the board offers educational and inspirational support to help operators use watermelons to build their menus, said Megan McKenna, senior director of foodservice and marketing. Research indicates that 62% of consumers are highly interested in trying fresh watermelon in innovative dishes, she said.

“Education starts with knowledge around watermelon types and formats in the marketplace, as well as how to handle and cut watermelon for optimal yield,” she said.

The board provides tips on cooking techniques and flavor pairings by region in addition to rind and beverage usage ideas. These tools and resources are shared with foodservice decision makers through foodservice media and events, she said.

For retail, keeping watermelons front and center all year long is key to driving sales, said Juliemar Rosado, the board’s director of retail and international marketing.

“A strong merchandising strategy highlights [watermelons’] incredible value, health benefits and versatility,” she said.

Engaging shoppers at touch points — online or in-store — has a big impact.

“Digital platforms are a great way to share mouthwatering recipes, fun facts and quick videos that draw customers in,” she said. And in-store experiences like cross-merchandising, sampling and promotions “help turn curiosity into purchases.”

The board’s annual retail merchandising contest that runs June through August is a good way to supercharge watermelon sales, Rosado added.

“This high-energy summer program aligns with peak demand, National Watermelon Month (July) and National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3),” she said. “It’s a win-win for retailers and shoppers alike.”

Besides attracting shoppers, creative displays can educate customers with selection tips and health benefits, leading to bigger baskets and repeat purchases, Rosado said.

The board has a full suite of marketing tools, educational resources and POS materials, and the retailer section of watermelon.org offers everything from retail kits to engaging videos and merchandising inspiration, she said.

The Fresh Factor: Watermelons

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:00:31 GMT

Juicy and incredibly hydrating, watermelon makes summer so much sweeter. This fresh produce heavyweight rules the hot summer months and is a kitchen counter mainstay for good reason.

The Packer and Healthy Family Project have teamed up to share some of our favorite advice on how to select the right watermelon, top tricks for preparing the behemoth melon and favorite recipes for enjoying the fruit synonymous with summer.

How to select the perfect watermelon

First things first, it can be a little intimidating when choosing the perfect watermelon to take home. The large fruit is an investment in time and money, so it pays off to be choosy when selecting a watermelon.

Related news: Ripe or not? Solving the perfect melon puzzle

The National Watermelon Promotion Board breaks it down into three basics steps in its approachable how-to video.

First, look at the watermelon and confirm that it is free of cracks, soft spots and bruises.

Second, pick the watermelon up. Does it feel heavy? Watermelon is over 90% water so it should feel heavy for its size.

Third, turn the watermelon over and find the “ground spot” or the buttery yellow oval on the bottom of a watermelon that indicates where the watermelon sat on the ground as it ripened.

Summer melon favorites

Once you’ve picked the perfect melon, it’s time to take it home and break it open. Watermelon is an incredibly versatile fruit — it can be prepared with no fuss as a casual snack, enjoyed straight off the cutting board in slices that include the rind or cubed in a simple fruit salad.

For more adventurous watermelon treats, it pays to get creative and experiment with this juicy fruit. Watermelon can make the leap from sweet to savory with the help of lime juice, peppers, mint or salty cheeses. An unexpected summer salad of watermelon and feta with a simple dressing of lime, mint and a grind of pepper is a Deborah Madison-inspired favorite.

“This is a sweet-salty-tart fruit salad that’s enormously refreshing — and quite surprising,” says Madison in her James Beard award-winning cookbook, “Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.”

Not only is watermelon good in sweet-savory salads and even cold soups, but it is a foundational ingredient to delightfully bright smoothies, popsicles and even cocktails.

One of Ina Garten’s summer drink staples is a watermelon cosmopolitan, she writes in her bestselling cookbook, “Go-to Dinners”.

“[This] delicious variation on a Cosmo has become my go-to summer drink because everyone loves this refreshing blend of watermelon puree spiked with a hint of fresh lime juice plus vodka,” Garten writes.

Beyond basic watermelon varieties

Watermelon cultivars and varieties go far beyond the basic seeded, seedless, mini and yellow and orange varieties. For the adventurous, a little research and hunting goes a long way to secure an heirloom variety watermelon that boasts exceptional flavor along with a captivating history.

Two swoon-worthy heirloom varieties highlighted in Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste are worth seeking out in particular: moon and stars and Bradford watermelons.

“A magical melon, the dark green and yellow speckled skin of the moon and stars watermelon evokes a living galaxy while its happenstance return suggests a storybook ending. Graced with white seeds and a slightly ridged, thick rind, this watermelon can reach up to forty pounds in weight when thump-ready for eating,” says Peter Henderson in the Ark of Taste database entry.

Beyond its captivating appearance, moon and stars watermelons are prized for their exceptional sweetness and flavor.

“When heirloom aficionados such as Roger Yepsen and Benjamin Watson describe Moon and Stars, the discussion always returns to flavor, given that this pinkish red variant is extraordinarily sweet and flavorful,” writes Henderson. “But flavor is not the entire attraction of this peculiar melon: it is legendary for many reasons.”

Another notable watermelon, the Bradford watermelon, while not suited as a commercial bestseller due to its sizeable heft — clocking in at 30 pounds when fully grown — it’s prized for its flavor and storied history in the South. The Bradford watermelon came into existence in South Carolina in the 1840-50s and the variety has been guarded by southern seed breeders and farmers because of its unique flavor and lineage with the Bradford family.

Preparing and storing watermelons

If you plan on enjoying your melon, rind and all, give your watermelon a quick rinse with soap before preparing to remove any field dirt or debris from transport. A watermelon can keep on a countertop for at least a week but, once you cut into the juicy interior, refrigerate and plan to use within 3 days.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Packer (@packernews)

Learn more about watermelons on The Healthy Family Project.

More from The Fresh Factor

What is your favorite way to enjoy watermelon? Share it with one of The Fresh Factor’s social media posts or drop us a line at news@thepacker.com.

Next month, The Fresh Factor is going to put a spotlight on XX and check out other fresh produce highlights from the series such as asparagus, beets, kale and artichoke.

Related news: The Fresh Factor: How to pick, prep and store beets

Texas watermelon harvest bouncing back from a rough 2022

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:31:15 GMT

The Texas watermelon queen is in “full touring mode” headed into July, making her way to picnics and parades across the state, with melon harvest in full swing. While the Lone Star State might not boast the highest watermelon output in the U.S., it produces a steady supply of the iconic fruit of summer outings and barbecues.

Most domestic watermelons are produced in Southern states, with Florida leading output, producing a third of all U.S.-grown watermelons. The Sunshine State is trailed by Georgia, California and Texas in top watermelon producers. According to the most recent USDA Economic Research Service data, Texas produced about 11% off all U.S.-grown watermelons.

In West Texas, watermelon farmer and Texas Watermelon Association President Luke Brown was preparing to cut his first melons when he spoke to The Packer on June 26. Right now, Brown is hoping the weather remains favorable before the first round of harvest on his 220-acre watermelon farm in Balmorhea, Texas.

“It’s nerve-wracking this time of year. You got these thunderstorms built up kind of over the mountains every evening and you never know if one of them is going to have a hailstorm in it,” Brown said. “You don’t know if it’s going to hit you or not; it’s just sporadic.”

If the notoriously fickle Texas weather cooperates, the fourth-generation watermelon farmer is looking forward to what he anticipates will be a good yield.

“Peak harvest is getting ramped up really good right now and will peak about the second week of July and run pretty hard all the way through the second or third week of August,” he said.

Brown was also pleased with the quality he’s seeing in his fields.

“This crop looks very good — probably one of the best I’ve ever had,” he said.

Brown prefers to stagger his harvest into five ages of melons, each to be harvested in waves over three months.

“We’ll never cut more than 10 truckloads a day,” he said. “That’s the way we want to structure our labor, and the way ... market conditions tend to be at different points in the summer, we just find it’s better to have a small, steady supply.”

“Obviously price fluctuates, and right now price is real favorable,” Brown continued. “We’re not complaining about it, but it’s the effects of inflation, no doubt. My bills are 50% higher than they were. It’s all relative.”

Brown relies on hiring H-2A workers for his harvest labor.

“Without H-2A, I’m done. It’s over that day,” he said. “We have some year-round local guys that have been with us since we started, and they worked for my grandfather 30 years before that. But as far as harvest labor, we rely on the visa program, and we use the same guys every year; these workers have been harvesting for us for seven or eight years now.”

Yield up, quality down in Rio Grande Valley region

The 2023 crop is shaping up to be average for Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden regions, with better yields but lower quality fruit compared to the previous season, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts.

“Yields are better than last year, but quality is down, and I think if you asked growers, they’d say it’s average across the board,” Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Weslaco, Texas, said in a statement. “Harvest is wrapping up in the Valley, and there are more watermelons making it to the market.”

Last year, watermelon production in the Rio Grande Valley dipped 17%, compared to the season prior. However, watermelon acreage increased in South Texas in 2023, Anciso said. Overall, fruit yields were about average while quality was lower due to consistent rains throughout the month of May.

Related news: Cantaloupe growers stitch together a steady supply through summer

Producers worried about drought and water supplies at the beginning of the season, but since May 1 the rains have created quality issues, Anciso said. Rainfall as the fruit developed on the vine led to lower brix measurements than in recent years, which affected flavor and sweetness. The rains also led to some issues with diseases, like downy mold and fusarium, which in turn also led to lower-quality fruit.

Outlook in Winter Garden looks bright

Meanwhile, conditions were looking up in Texas’ Winter Garden region, Uvalde-based A&M Agrilife Extension horticulturalist Larry Stein said in a market update. Recent rains have improved soil moisture levels, and the combination of milder temperatures and moisture created ideal growing conditions for most crops, including melons.

Watermelons were vining, blooming and being pollinated by bees, but they could be slightly behind schedule due to cooler temperatures this spring, Stein said in the update.

Related news: Mexican melon markets to stabilize for peak summer promotions, forecasts grower

“Other than a few issues, I can’t believe how well they are looking right now,” he said. “Melons like it hot and dry, but the milder temperatures and moisture has them looking very good.”

Overall, conditions are a far cry from the 2022 season when early triple-digit temperatures, high winds and drought added up to a rough year across the main watermelon-producing regions of Texas.

Ripe or not? Solving the perfect melon puzzle

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:48:39 GMT

Along with sunsets that stretch late into the evening, the hum of cicadas and the sudden switch to flip flops, the emergence of melons at prime spots in produce departments is a sign of summer throughout the U.S.

And watermelon and cantaloupes help anchor the summer melon category. These heavy hitters demand some extra effort to prepare, but their juicy, aromatic sweetness usually makes it worthwhile.

The work begins by selecting the best fruit, which can feel like as much of an art as a science. The Packer has picked up a few melon picking tips from experts so that retailers and shoppers are armed with a few surefire strategies to walk away with the perfect melon.

Mastering a new melon

For the 2023 California cantaloupe season, growers are rolling out new varieties of non-GMO cantaloupes that boast a longer shelf life. These new varieties coming out of the state this summer have been dubbed by breeders as “long shelf life” or “extended shelf life” cantaloupes. Because they have been bred to not ripen too quickly, these cantaloupes will sit on your kitchen counter for several days longer than older varieties, patiently waiting until the perfect moment to enjoy the sweet fruit.

The traditional Western shipper varieties grown in California in recent years had begun to get a bad rap for ripening too quickly and going bad before the consumer was ready to eat.

“It almost became like if they opened the back of the truck and it smelled like cantaloupe, [buyers] didn’t want it,” Marilyn Freeman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board told The Packer.

Another benefit of the new, longer shelf life varieties is reducing shrink and food waste overall.

“These new varieties are being bred to last longer on the shelf so they reduce food waste, and many retailers have food waste initiatives that they would like to meet,” Freeman said.

Picking the perfect long shelf life cantaloupe

The most important thing about these new varieties is to not overthink the selection process, Freeman said. Determining ripeness on these new melons is a bit different than traditional Western shipper varieties.

“We’ve been doing a lot about educating people on how to pick a cantaloupe, which in many ways is easier because there are fewer indicators of ripeness than there used to be,” Freeman said.

While the traditional varieties used to be known for their ripeness by the sweeter fragrance that was given off from the ethylene gas emitted throughout the ripening process, the new melons are bred not to release ethylene gas, thus slowing the ripening process, Freeman said. (This means it’s safe to stop sniffing cantaloupes!)

Instead, the most important sign to for assessing ripeness in the new cantaloupe varieties is a creamy or even green-tinged hue. Additionally, look for a blossom end — the end of the melon opposite the stem — that has slight cracking or gives slightly when you press on it gently.

You no longer must eye the end for netting or a slipped stem. According to Freeman, the new varieties of melon can retain a bit of stem even at peak ripeness, unlike older varieties.

How to assess a ripe watermelon

“The National Watermelon Promotion Board has many educational tools and point-of-sale materials available for retailers to educate customers on how to choose the best watermelon,” said Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing for The National Watermelon Promotion Board.

The key to selecting the perfect watermelon is by following a “look, lift and turn” approach, she said.

“First, look at the watermelon and make sure it’s free of any major dents, gashes or bruising. Second, lift it up; a watermelon should be fairly heavy for its size at 92% water,” Rosado told The Packer. “Last, turn it over and look for a creamy yellow spot — often referred to as the ground spot to show where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.”

Once you’ve pinpointed the yellow ground spot, it’s time to bring your watermelon home to enjoy — rind and all.

“Watermelon is also 100% edible, including the rind, making it a zero waste food,” Rosado said.

Entries wanted for watermelon retail merchandising contest

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:29 GMT

It’s time to get the melon working on how to use your melons.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is inviting all retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries to submit entries to the 14th annual Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest.

More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to top entrants, including $5,000 for the grand prize for winner, according to a news release. The second place winner will receive $2,500, third place will receive $1,000 and three honorable mentions will each receive $500. An additional incentive of a $15 gift card will be awarded to the first 25 entries.

The contest will start in July to honor National Watermelon Month and run through August. It’s used by the board to encourage and identify retailers showcasing watermelon’s benefits including health, value and versatility.

And more prizes will be awarded after a new partnership with Tajín for the 2022 season. The first 100 entries that include watermelon and Tajín seasonings in-store display submissions, or in mixed merchandising tactics in social, digital, print and web marketing, will each receive a $20 Amazon digital gift card.

Learn more: Watermelon commodity facts

The board’s partnership with Tajín will add to the chance for incentives for stores to enter and will increase the reach of the contest while offering retailers a cross-merchandising opportunity. Fresh watermelons and Tajín – a chili and lime seasoning – are a good complement, as the flavor profile of watermelons combined with the zing of Tajín creates a new eating experience for many consumers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to ‘add a little zing’ to our contest with Tajín,” Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing, said in the release. “Watermelons and Tajín lend themselves to many flavors and cuisines.”

Cross-merchandising promotions help showcase more than one item, plus the benefits of both, she said.

To enter, retailers can submit an entry with photos, links, screenshots, etc., online, by email or by postal mail beginning July 8. All entries must be submitted or postmarked by midnight Eastern Time Sept. 14. Visit: http://watermelon.org/Retailers/Retail-Contest for more information, including official contest rules and entry form, or email retail@watermelon.org.

Watermelon consumption associated with higher diet quality, new study finds

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:56:12 GMT

National Watermelon Promotion Board recently partnered with Nutrition Impact LLC on a research project to “determine intake of watermelon and assess association with diet quality, energy and nutrient intake, and physiological parameters in children and adults,” according to a news release.

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis, the study was recently published in Nutrients and found that total diet quality was higher in watermelon consumers as compared to nonconsumers.

The study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake as well as diet quality in both children and adults, says the Winter Springs, Fla.-based National Watermelon Promotion Board , which hopes to present additional details later this year at a nutrition research-focused conference, the release said.

The study further found that children and adult watermelon consumers had greater than 5% higher intake of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A, as well as more than 5% lower intake of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids. The study also showed that watermelon consumers had higher intake of lycopene and other carotenoids.

“Researching the nutritional benefits of watermelon is essential for the watermelon industry and consumers alike,” said Megan McKenna, NWPB senior director of marketing and foodservice. “By understanding the nutritional value of watermelon, we can ensure we are supporting the industry by effectively communicating those benefits while also helping consumers make informed decisions about their health and nutrition.”

The new study is one of several that has launched in recent years refining the NWPB Nutrition Research Program. Last year’s project concluded that “Scientific Literature Confirms Watermelon’s Health Potential.”

The NWPB says more research specific to watermelon’s health benefits is needed to support watermelon consumption and help to educate consumers. With that in mind, part of the board’s strategic plan is continued focus on watermelon’s nutrient research and health trends.

NWPB said it is looking to fund watermelon rind nutrient profiling in order to be included in the USDA FoodData Central database.

The NWPB was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the U.S. and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 800 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB’s mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

Ark Foods to trial new watermelon varieties

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:15:25 GMT

Immokalee, Fla.-based Ark Foods has a pilot project that will expand its activities into the fruit industry with the trial of four specialty watermelon varieties, selected for their convenient size and sweetness, according to a news release.

The company says it plans to release the new watermelon varieties at the start of the new year.

“Watermelons are an immensely popular fruit that offer plenty of room for innovation,” Noah Robbins, founder and CEO of Ark Foods, said in the release. “After careful consideration, we have chosen the right fruit as our first addition to our product offerings that will inspire excitement and curiosity in the produce section.”

The Ark Foods R&D team is eager to offer modern shoppers multiple watermelons that are small yet big in flavor, according to the company.

Watermelons are typically in highest demand during the summer months but have become popular beyond that. The company says it aims to offer the watermelons year-round, based on trial results and consumer receptivity in the market.

Ark Foods plans to begin its soft regional launch of personal-size watermelons in January 2024, appearing in select retail stores, according to the release. As the pilot program grows, shoppers will soon see Ark Foods’ watermelons at produce departments nationwide, the release said.

“Our expansion into fruit is a resounding testament to our dedication to offering consumers a kaleidoscope of fresh and diverse produce options,” Robbins said. “With this venture, Ark Foods will solidify its position as a forward-thinking company with a mission to provide accessible food choices that excite you about veggies (and now fruits!) and the clean-eating benefits they provide.”

Watermelon study shows trends for younger consumers

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:51:42 GMT

Younger consumers love to eat watermelons, are highly aware of their health benefits and are open to new ways to eat the fruit.

That’s according to findings from the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s latest consumer research study, with specific insights on younger watermelon consumers.

The study examined the evolving preferences and behaviors of younger watermelon consumers (aged 18-34), according to a news release.

“Our research shows that younger consumers are using watermelon to drive culinary innovation and are embracing watermelon as a nutritious and enjoyable part of their lifestyles,” Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications at the board, said in the release. “This age group’s enthusiasm for watermelon presents exciting opportunities for our industry to drive watermelon consumption.”

In particular, the study reported that younger consumers are more health-conscious, exhibit creativity in the kitchen and have more adventurous palates.

Highlights from the study show that younger watermelon consumers exhibit:

An emphasis on health — Young watermelon consumers prioritize nutritious food choices in their diet, the study said, and are more likely to seek advice and information about watermelon from nutritionists, dietitians and doctors compared to older demographic groups.
Younger consumers also exhibit a heightened awareness of the nutritional benefits associated with watermelon consumption (for example, hydration and blood flow benefits), the study found. Younger consumers view watermelon as a healthy and hydrating snack option, aligning with their wellness-focused lifestyles.
Culinary creativity — Younger consumers are more inclined to experiment with new watermelon recipes, incorporating the fruit into savory dishes, desserts and beverages, like watermelon juice. Nearly 60% of this younger demographic agreed that including watermelon would increase the likelihood of trying a new recipe the study found. In comparison, 28% of the 55 and older age group agreed.
Adventurous palates — The 18-34 age demographic is more adventurous when incorporating watermelon into meals, the study found, and are more open to trying unique watermelon preparations and flavor combinations than older consumers.

The findings of the study highlight the importance of understanding and catering to the diverse needs of consumers across different age groups, according to the release.

Related link: More information about the study and the NWPB’s consumer research initiatives

Promotion board calls for Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest entries

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:27:19 GMT

The National Watermelon Promotion Board has kicked off its 16th annual Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest, inviting retail chains, indies and commissaries to compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes, according to a news release.

NWPB says the grand prize winner will receive $5,000, with $2,500 awarded to the second place, $1,000 for third place and $500 each for three honorable mentions.

To capture the early summer market when watermelon demand is on the rise, the Winter Park, Fla.-based board has launched the contest a month earlier this year. The first 25 entries will receive a $15 gift card as an early-bird incentive, the release said.

As part of its continued collaboration with Tajín for the 2024 season, NWPB says the first 100 entries featuring watermelon and Tajín seasoning in their in-store displays or across social, digital, print and web marketing efforts will each receive a $20 Amazon digital gift card.

“We are excited to infuse our contest with an extra ‘zing’ through our partnership with Tajín,” Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing, said in the release. “Combining watermelons with Tajín enhances a variety of dishes and cuisines, offering a fantastic opportunity for cross-merchandising promotions to showcase the unique benefits of both products.”

The combination of watermelons and Tajín creates interest in both products, said Eric Patrick, partnership brand manager.

“Our enduring collaboration with NWPB consistently delights consumers,” Patrick said. “We look forward to seeing the creative merchandising and marketing strategies from retailers of all sizes this year.”

Retailers can enter by submitting their entries, including photos, links, screenshots and more online or via email. All entries must be received or postmarked by midnight Eastern on Sept. 13. For more information, including official contest rules and entry forms, visit the Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest page or contact NWPB at retail@watermelon.org .

Watermelon Board report sees ‘strong relationship’ between promotions and revenue

Thu, 11 May 2023 12:14:14 GMT

National Watermelon Promotion Board, Winter Springs, Fla., has released the findings of a new study, conducted along with research partner Armada Corporate Intelligence Inc., which it says demonstrates a “significant positive impact of the NWPB’s activities” on the demand for watermelon.

The study, says NWPB, shows that investment in NWPB’s promotional activities results in a “strong return on investment.” Additional findings of the study included the NWPB’s impact on the retail and fob price of watermelon from 2017-2021 and its impact on the general economy, according to a release.

“The NWPB is proud to continue our work in promoting watermelon and supporting the watermelon industry,” said Mark Arney, executive director at the NWPB.

The study, which developed a model explaining the retail demand for watermelon, found that funding the NWPB’s activities at actual levels versus the lowest monthly level resulted in a 4.5% increase in the retail price of watermelon.

NWPB further reports that retail revenues rose 31.6% from 2017 to 2021, and during that same time span, expenditures remained steady.

The study also found that the NWPB’s promotional activities have a positive impact on farm prices. On average, there is a $0.012 per pound difference in farm price when the NWPB’s expenditures are set to their historically lowest level versus what was experienced using the actual expenditures. This difference resulted in a $225.19 million increase in farm sales, the release said.

Additionally, the study explored potentially increased employment in the industry by 4,234 jobs, based on incremental grower income and the median fruit and vegetable worker salary, due to NWPB promotional activity.

“These findings reinforce the importance of our efforts and provide a compelling case for amplified investment in the NWPB’s activities,” said Christian Murillo, NWPB president.

The full report, “An Economic Analysis of Market Impacts of the National Watermelon Promotion Board: 2017-2021” is available at the industry section of NWPB’s website .

Watermelon board names 2023 Retail Merchandising Contest winners

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:42:42 GMT

Retailers know how to wow with watermelons.

The produce industry’s mad merchandising skills are evidenced by the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s newly named winners in its annual Retail Merchandising Contest. This year’s contest, now in its 15th year, garnered over 115 entries from retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the Winter Springs, Fla.-based board.

The contest started in July to honor National Watermelon Month and ran throughout the month of August to encourage and identify retailers who are showcasing watermelon’s benefits including health, value and versatility, according to a news release. Entrants this year continued to use mixed media marketing efforts in addition to in-store displays.

NWPB says marketing efforts considered in judging included category visibility, point-of-sale materials, good visual merchandising, messaging nutritional benefits, recipes and/or selection education and use of print, online and/or digital platforms. This year’s winners used mixed marketing tactics ranging from eye-catching in-store displays and take-home materials for store customers to social posts that shared watermelon nutrition, fun facts and recipe ideas.

“This year’s entries were all incredibly creative, showcasing watermelon’s health and versatility through point-of-sale materials,” Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing at NWPB, said in the release. “The winners this year emphasized consumer education, highlighting selection and recipes. In addition, whole and fresh-cut watermelons were merchandised to reach more consumer archetypes.”

This year’s winners included:

Grand prize — Heritage Co-Op, Brandon, Manitoba.
Second place — Greer’s Hurley Market, Hurley, Miss.
Third place — KJ’s Market, Hephziba, Ga.

Honorable mentions included: Gelson’s Market No. 23, La Canada, Calif.; Port Hueneme Commissary, Port Hueneme, Calif.; United Grocery Outlet, Shelbyville, Tenn.

“Members of the Co-operative Retailing System have participated in the NWPB contest for many years, and we are excited that Heritage Co-op in Brandon Manitoba is a recipient of the grand prize this year,” Joshua Hubert, produce retail operations manager at Federated Co-operatives Ltd., said in the release. “Each year, FCL and its member co-ops highlight watermelon through flyer and in-store features, and we encourage participation in the NWPB contest each year. We recognize that exciting and engaging displays continue to delight guests and drive in-store experience. The NWPB display contest is an excellent opportunity for CRS members to highlight their merchandising skills and highlight our focus on seasonal produce favorites. We are so proud of the Heritage Co-op team and their display, a big congratulations to them.”

More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to winners, including $5,000 for Heritage Co-Op as the grand prize winner. As second place winner, Greer’s Hurley Market will receive $2,500; KJ’s Market as third place will receive $1,000 and each of the three honorable mentions listed above will receive $500, the release said.

Guatemalan exports boost Pacific Trellis Fruit's mini watermelon production

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:36:17 GMT

Following successful production trials, Pacific Trellis Fruit/ Dulcinea Farms will expand the source of its PureHeart mini seedless watermelon to include Guatemalan exports beginning in January and extending through April, according to a news release.

“We are extremely excited about this development as it will expand our ability to deliver Dulcinea PureHeart mini watermelons 52 weeks per year,” Rob Markel, vice president of melon sales at Pacific Trellis Fruit, said in the release. “At this time, we are also growing the melons in both Los Mochis and Colima, Mexico, and the fruit to market ships through Nogales, Ariz.”

The year-round grower-shipper and marketer of fresh fruit said PureHart watermelons will arrive via the West Coast to Port Hueneme in California and as well as to the East Coast through Port Everglades in Florida.

“In addition, the watermelon from Guatemala is currently undergoing Fair Trade Certification, which is a rigorous and globally recognized sustainable sourcing model that improves livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds resilient, transparent supply chains,” Markel said.

Fresh Trends 2023: Just how popular is watermelon among U.S. consumers?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:39:47 GMT

Watermelon remains a familiar and popular fruit for many U.S. consumers.

Retail per capita availability of fresh watermelon has increased from 12.4 pounds in 2011 to 13.9 pounds in 2019, according to USDA estimates.

Forty-six percent of consumers surveyed in The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 poll said they purchased watermelons in the past year. That compares with 50% of consumers polled in 2022 and 48% in 2021.

By income bracket, Fresh Trends 2023 data showed 52% of those making $50,000 to $100,000 per year said they purchased watermelon in the previous year. That compares to 41% of those making under $25,000 a year, 46% for those making $25,000 to $50,000 annually and 45% of those making more than $100,000 per year.

By region, 51% of consumers in the Midwest said they purchased watermelon in the previous year, compared with 47% of consumers in the West, 45% of consumers in the South and 42% of consumers in the Northeast.

Forty-nine percent of women reported watermelon purchases in the past year, a notch up compared with 43% for men.

There was not a big difference in watermelon purchases between consumers with kids at home (45%) and consumers with no kids at home (47%), according to Fresh Trends data.

Fresh Trends research found that 68% of consumers who said they purchased watermelon in the previous year indicated they bought personal-sized or mini watermelons in the past year.

Seventy-three percent of consumers making less than $25,000 annually said they purchased mini or personal-sized watermelons, significantly more than the 64% of consumers making more than $100,000 per year.

Younger consumers were more frequent buyers of mini or personal-sized watermelons, according to Fresh Trends data. Only 57% of consumers aged 60 or older said they purchased personal-sized or mini watermelons, compared with 71% for the 18-29 age group, 78% for those aged 30-39 and 78% for the 40-49 age group.

The USDA reported the average terminal market price for cartons of watermelons was $34.63 in 2022, up 8% from $32.09 in 2021.

At retail, the USDA reported the average promoted price was $1.73 (all pack sizes), up from $1.49 in 2021.

The average weekly number of U.S. retail stores promoting watermelon in 2022 was 7,991, down from 9,447 stores in 2021.

Key shopper behaviors speed growth of watermelon category, study shows

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:26:16 GMT

The U.S. watermelon category has experienced strong growth over the last year, with households across the country making an estimated $2.7 billion in fresh watermelon purchases.

According to a recent shopper segmentation study conducted by the National Watermelon Promotion Board, an increase in annual watermelon purchases was driven by higher household penetration and spending within key shopper segments.

The shopper segmentation study, which examined shopper behaviors and purchase trends based on consumer panel data, shows that over 3 million new U.S. households purchased watermelon in 2024, boosting U.S. household penetration to 72%, according to a news release.

On average, shoppers made five watermelon purchase trips during the year, spending $5.83 per trip for an estimated annual household spend of $28.94, the release said. Based on their annual spending, watermelon buyers were divided into three segments: Light, Medium and Heavy.

The Heavy segment represented 25% of watermelon households and accounted for 63% of total category purchase dollars in 2024. This segment contributed $97 million of the incremental purchases, highlighting the buyers’ role as the primary drivers of category growth.

The study identified several actionable opportunities for continued category growth:

Increase shopping frequency — Encouraging households to make one additional watermelon purchase trip per year could bring over $550 million into the watermelon category.
Expand household penetration — A 1% increase in household penetration, from 72% to 73%, could generate an additional $38 million in incremental sales.
Target Heavy shoppers — Developing marketing strategies focused on engaging with the Heavy watermelon shopper segment could further boost spending and repeat purchases.

The findings from the shopper segmentation study provide a strategic roadmap for driving continued growth in the watermelon category, the release said. By leveraging these insights and targeting the heavy shopper segments, the industry can unlock opportunities for sustained category growth, according to the release.

The findings, combined with earlier consumer research, offer a comprehensive understanding of watermelon buyer demographics, characteristics and purchasing behaviors, said the National Watermelon Promotion Board. This enables retailers and producers to effectively target key consumer groups and maximize sales opportunities, the release said.

Related link: Access the full study from the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Black seedless Yumi melons from Charlie’s available in June

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:58 GMT

Charlie’s Produce , Seattle, is introducing Yumi, an organic black seedless watermelon, in mid-June.

The black seedless watermelon originated in Hakkaido, Japan, where it was once highly coveted for its black shiny rind and crunchy texture, according to a news release, with prices of up to $5,000 a melon.

The melons are growing in California and Washington and were previously packed under Charlie’s Produce Farmer’s Own Organics label.
Yumi means abundant beauty, and the melon is unique in color and flavor, according to the release.

The melons will be available through the company’s six distribution centers in Seattle, Los Angeles, Spokane, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska, Boise, Idaho, and Portland, Ore. They will be available in 700-pound bins and 65-pound boxes, according to the release. For more information, contact CPTCorders@charliesproduce.com.

Related stories:

Charlie’s Produce acquires Better Life Organics

Wild Violet, a purple and white sweet corn, available this spring

Full line of fruits and vegetables due from Alpine Summit

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:37:02 GMT

Denver-based Alpine Summit Sales will have an extensive line of fruits and vegetables this summer, sourcing from varied growing areas including Colorado, California and Mexico, said Brandon Brown, vice president.

Colorado summer offerings, which Brown said are eagerly anticipated by local consumers, will include watermelons, cabbage, leaf items and a variety of vegetables.

Related content:
Colorado “Know your market”
Colorado news and updates
Coloardo goes local during the springtime

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of June 1

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:40 GMT

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,146-1,149-992, Includes exports 261-265-269) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy Carton tray pack Red Delicious 72-88s mostly 14.00-16.00, 100-113s mostly 13.00-15.00; Golden Delicious fine appearance 72s mostly 25.00-28.00, 80s mostly 24.00-26.00, 88s mostly 22.00-26.00, 100s mostly 18.00-22.00; Fuji 64-88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00-18.00, 113s mostly 14.00-17.00; Granny Smith 64s mostly 18.00-20.00, 72-80s mostly 18.00-22.00, 88s 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 17.00-19.00, 113-125s mostly 16.00-18.00; Gala 64-72s mostly 23.00-24.00, 80s 21.00-24.00, 88s mostly 19.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00-17.00, 113s mostly 14.00-16.00, 125s mostly 14.00-15.00; Honeycrisp 56s mostly 28.00-34.90, 64s mostly 32.00-38.90, 72-80s 34.00-40.90, 88s mostly 32.00-38.90, 100s mostly 30.00-36.90. Cartons 12 3-pound film bags Red Delicious Washington Extra Fancy 2 1/2” minimum mostly 15.95-17.95; Golden Delicious and Fuji 2 1/2” minimum mostly 16.95-18.95; Gala and Granny Smith 1/2” minimum mostly 18.95-20.95; Honeycrisp 2 1/2” minimum mostly 30.95-34.95. ORGANIC cartons tray pack Gala Washington Extra Fancy 64s mostly 22.00-26.00, 72-80s mostly 20.00-26.00, 88s mostly 18.00-24.00, 100s mostly 18.00-20.00; cartons 12 3-pound film bags Gala 2 1/2” minimum mostly 16.95-20.95.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP — Imports via Boat (45-40-67) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. 18 kg cartons tray pack Gala Marked Extra Fancy 70s-80s 26.00-28.00, 90s 24.00-26.00, 100s 20,00-22.00. FIRST REPORT.

NEW YORK 2019 CROP — Shipments (55-57-46) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Fuji Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-27.00; McIntosh Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 27.00-28.00. Cartons 12 3-pound Film Bags Red Delicious U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 16.00-19.00; Fuji U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 20.00-22.00; McIntosh U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00; Empire U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (38-49*-36) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. cartons 12 3-pound film bags U.S. Extra Fancy Gala mostly 18.00-20.00, Red Delicious mostly 17.00-19.00, Fuji mostly 19.00-21.00, Tray pack 88s Gala and Fuji 24.00-28.00, Red Delicious mostly 20.00-22.00. Supplies of Fuji light, others fairly light. (* revised)

NEW ENGLAND 2019 CROP — Shipments (3-4-2) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Apricots

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (2-5*-5) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Carton 2 layer Various Varieties 64s mostly 20.95-22.95, 72s mostly 18.95-20.95, 84s mostly 16.95-18.95 Carton 3 layer 162s mostly 14.95-16.95. Primary variety Kylese. Extra services included. (* revised)

Avocados

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP Crossings — (221-315-338) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading 32-48s fairly slow at higher prices, others fairly slow. Prices 32-48s higher, others lower. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 40.25-42.25, 40s mostly 38.95-40.25, 48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 27.25-29.25, 70s mostly 21.25-22.25, 84s mostly 16.25-17.25. Extra services included.

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (153-171-U) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Conventional 40-48s and 70s higher, 32-36s, 60s and 84s lower, Organic generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 42.25-44.25, 40-48s mostly 40.25-42.25, 60s mostly 33.25-34.25, 70s mostly 21.25-23.25, 84s mostly 17.25-19.25. Carton 2 layer Hass ORGANIC 40s mostly 54.25-56.25, 48s mostly 56.25-57.25, 60s mostly 52.25, 70s mostly 38.25-40.25. Extra services included. (U = unavailable)

Blueberries

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA Shipments — (54-71*-77, Shipments -*-) — Movement expected to increase. Trading early fairly slow, late slow. Prices Lower. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids mostly 18.00-20.00. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 10.00-12.00. Cartons 8 18-ounce containers with lids mostly 20.00-22.00. ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 12.00-14.00. Quality variable. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP Shipments — (38-35-31) — Movement expected to remain about the same current week, decrease the following week as some hardest hit growers finish for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices ORGANIC pints higher, conventional lower. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 16.00-18.00, ORGANIC 12 1-pint cups with lids medium large mostly 24.00-26.00, 6 ounce cups with lids medium-large 14.00-16.00. Quality variable.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA Shipments — (15-20-30) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids medium-large 18.00-22.00. Quality variable. Some present shipments include prior commitments. Includes palletizing and cooling.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS Crossings — (24-20*-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-oz cups with lids mostly 8.00-10.00. Quality and condition variable. (* revised)

Cantaloupes

GEORGIA — Shipments (0-2-22) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices 24 inch bins Athena type 120s mostly 210.00-220.00, 150s 195.00, 180s 175.00. Includes palletizing and precooling. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (41-33-14) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as mostly shippers are finished for the season. Trading Slow. 1/2 cartons 9-12s supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. Lighter — Shipments expected to continue through June 13. LAST REPORT.

IMPERIAL AND PALO VERDE VALLEYS CALIFORNIA AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments — (AZ 18-156-173) (CA 34-82-57) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Oversized 1/2 cartons 9s (6 size) mostly 12.95-13.95. ½ cartons 6s 8.95, 9s mostly 12.95-13.95, 12s mostly 8.95. Quality generally good.

NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA Light — Shipments expected to start by week of June 14 with sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report by week of June 21.

Cherries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (326-327-220) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 16 pound containers/bagged various red sweet varieties; 9 1/2 row size mostly 48.00-52.00, 10 row size mostly 45.00-48.00, 10 1/2 row size mostly 45.00-46.00, 11 row size mostly 44.00-45.00, 11 1/2 row size mostly 34.00-36.00, 12 row size 20.00-28.00. Extra services included. Wide range in quality. Some Shipments being booked at previously committed prices.

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON — Harvest expected to begin in early areas the week of May 31. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of June 21.

Grapes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (87-200-400) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices Perlette and Flame much lower, others lower. 18 pound containers bagged U.S. One large Perlette mostly 16.95-18.95, White Seedless 20.95-22.95, Flame mostly 22.95, Black Seedless mostly 18.95. Quality generally good.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-24) — Movement expected to increase. Sporadic harvesting has begun in the region. F.O.B. expected to begin on or around June 4th.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY LOS ANGELES AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (5-0-0) — 18 lb containers bagged Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (20-5-0) — 18 lb containers bagged Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Shippers First Grade 75-200s and Choice 75s, 140s, slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 27.18-30.20, 95-115s mostly 29.18-32.20, 140s mostly 28.18-32.20, 165s mostly 25.18-27.20, 200s 24.18-27.20, 235s mostly 20.18-23.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 17.18-20.20, 95s mostly 19.18-22.20, 115s mostly 20.18-22.20, 140s mostly 21.18-25.20, 165-200s mostly 22.18-25.20, 235s mostly 19.18-21.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 31.18-35.20, 95-115s mostly 45.18-49.20, 140s mostly 42.18-47.20; Shippers Choice 95-115s mostly 28.18-35.20, 140s 25.18-35.20.

Nectarines

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (18-38*-51) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Various Yellow Varieties carton 2 layer 48-50s mostly 24.95-26.95, 54-56s mostly 20.95-23.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size mostly 20.95, 70-72 size mostly 16.95-18.95. Various White Varieties carton 2 layer 48-50s mostly 24.95-26.95, 54-56s mostly 21.95-22.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size 16-95-18.95, 70-72 size mostly 14.95-16.95. Primary Varieties See fire, Red Ryan and Polar Light. Extra services included. (* revised)

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (90-84-78, Includes exports 0-3-2) — Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending May 2, May 9 and May 16 in that order.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Supplies Navel 113-138s light. Trading Active. Prices Higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 40s 19.18-21.20, 48-56s 21.18-23.20, 72-88s mostly 24.18-27.20, 113-138s mostly 22.18-23.20; Shippers Choice 40s mostly 13.18-16.20, 48s mostly 16.18-18.20, 56s mostly 17.18-19.20, 72-113s mostly 18.18-20.20, 138s mostly 19.18-20.20. Valencia Shippers First Grade 48s mostly 17.18-21.20, 56s mostly 18.18-22.20, 72-88s mostly 21.18-25.20, 113-138s mostly 20.18-23.20; Shippers Choice 48s mostly 15.18-16.20, 56s mostly 15.18-17.20, 72s mostly 16.18-19.20, 88s mostly 17.18-19.20, 113s mostly 18.18-20.20, 138s mostly 19.18-20.20.

Peaches

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (8-35*-56) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Various Yellow Varieties Cartons 2 layer tray pack 54-56s mostly 18.95-20.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size mostly 14.95-16.95, 70-72 size mostly 10.95-13.95. Various White Flesh Varieties 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size 16.95-18.95, 70-72 size 8.95-10.96. Extra services included. Primary yellow flesh varieties Mat Princess and Krista. (* revised)

SOUTH CAROLINA 2020 CROP — Shipments (18-53-54) — Movement expected to remain about the same as new varieties start to come in. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. 1/2 bushel cartons Various Yellow Flesh varieties 2 3/4 inch minimum 20.85-22.85 2 1/2 inch min 16.85-18.85 and 2 1/4 inch min 10.85-12.85. Some (all sizes) shipped with price to be determined later. Varieties include: Ruby Prince, June Prince, MayLady, Crimson Lady and Gold Prince. Quality generally good.

Raspberries

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS — Crossings (42-36*-24) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early moderate, late slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 18.00. Quality generally good. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (5-10-16) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 18.00-20.00. Quality generally good. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.

Strawberries

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (296-307-390) — Movement expected to increase slightly. Trading Very Slow. Prices Conventional lower, Organic generally unchanged. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids large-extra large mostly 6.00-7.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large-extra large mostly 9.00-10.00. Some sales booked open with price to be established later.

SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (361-358-314) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Very Slow. Prices Conventional lower, Organic slightly lower. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium large mostly 6.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 8.00-10.00. Quality and condition variable. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor. Some sales booked open with price to be established later.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (6-4-2) — Movement expected to continue decreasing as most shippers are finished for the season. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

Watermelons

FLORIDA — Shipments (1,204-1,186-869, Seeded 54-83-48; Seedless 1150-1103-821) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Red Flesh Seeded Active, Red Flesh Seedless Very Active. Prices Red Flesh Seeded Lower, Red Flesh Seedless Higher. 24 inch bins. Red Flesh Seeded type 35s 119.00; Seedless type 36s 154.00-168.00, 45s 154.00-168.00, 60s 154.00-168.00. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (881-680-615) — Movement expected about the same. Trading approximately 35-60 counts active at slightly lower prices, others moderate. Prices approximately 35-60 counts slightly lower, others generally unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 140.00-147.00, approximately 60 count mostly 140.00. Miniature cartons 6s 11.95-12.95, 8-9s mostly 13.95-14.95, 11s mostly 9.95-10.95. Quality variable.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (361-533*-212) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading very active. Prices generally unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 mostly .23-.24, approximately 45 count mostly .24, approximately 60 count mostly .22. Quality generally good. Harvest curtailed by rain and wet fields May 22-25 and May 28-31. (*revised)

GEORGIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Light harvest expected to start current week. Expect sufficient volume for first F.O.B. within 14 days.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (AZ 11-47-70, CA 13-51-55) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Very Active. Prices approximately 35-60 counts higher, others generally unchanged. 24 inch bins Red Flesh Seedless type approximately 35 count mostly 168.00, approximately 45 count mostly 168.00-182.00, approximately 60 count mostly 168.00-175.00. ORGANIC 24 inch bins Red Flesh Seedless type approximately 35-60 counts mostly 245.00, Seeded type approximately 35-60 counts 150.00-175.00. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 21. Quality expected to be generally good. FIRST REPORT

SOUTH CAROLINA — Light Shipments expected to begin week of May 31 with sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report by week of June 14.

Pandemic doesn’t rain on watermelon board’s picnic

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:17:18 GMT

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is adapting to a new, digital climate for its education program for children because of the pandemic.

“Unlike years past when summer months meant in-person events, the socially-distanced approach adjusts marketing and promotional efforts to continue to position watermelon as the go-to choice for kids and families,” according to a news release.

For more than eight years, NWPB has partnered with Jump with Jill, who uses live music events to promote nutrition. This year they are again teaming up to bring children the “Jump with Jill Digital Tour,” the digital version of the program. It will feature unplugged songs, dances, workouts, activities and tutorials.

“Jump with Jill is our longtime partner for kids content and in-school outreach, and their primary delivery mechanism was through a powerful live musical show,” Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications, said in the release.

The free resources and tools will be timely and useful as the watermelon growing season hits its peak.

“Parents are craving content that can hold their kids’ attention while they work from home, and teachers need summer study materials they can use to prevent the summer slide,” according to the release.

Related articles:
Summer produce heating up on PMG
Georgia watermelons arriving in southeast stores
Watermelon board rolls out supplier database