The Central American melon season is off to a slow start; Tropical Storm Sara is keeping volume low at the start of the season. Markets are rising.  

Cantaloupe

Central American

• Markon will avoid shipping Mexican cantaloupes
• Offshore shipments of Central American cantaloupes are arriving by vessel into domestic ports
• Tropical Storm Sara, which hit Central America two weeks ago, is resulting in delayed containers
• Expect increased traffic at the ports over the next two weeks

• Quality is good; cantaloupe crops fared the recent rains better than honeydew

• Expect elevated markets over the next two to three weeks

Honeydew

Central American/Mexican

• Mexican supplies are available for loading in Nogales, Arizona until late December; markets are lower than those for Central American fruit but are expected to rise as demand increases
• Offshore/Central American honeydews are extremely limited; demand exceeds supply
  • Rains brought by Tropical Storm Sara are negatively impacting quality and resulting in delayed shipments
  • Growers are culling higher percentages due to softness, scarring, and decay
• Honduran and Costa Rican growing regions were more heavily impacted by the storm than Guatemala
  • Growers will work to assess fields in the coming weeks
  • Low volume is projected for late December/January

• Expect rising markets and limited supplies over the next three to four weeks.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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