VISALIA, CA - Melon season is starting to kick into gear in Bakersfield, California, with promotable volumes for the foreseeable future. Growers are encouraging retailers to promote the category through the end of the summer.

Despite the earlier season and triple digit heat in California, quality is looking as fantastic as ever across the board for melons.

“We’re just getting started here in Bakersfield,” said Derrick Daniell, Owner at Visalia, California-based Double D Sales. “All the melons are looking very good, and brix are anywhere from 10-14 with good pressure. Overall, the quality looks very good so far.”

In addition to the Bakersfield deal, supplies are continuing to move steadily out of California’s Coachella and Imperial Valleys, Nogales, AZ, and Mexico as well. There is no shortage of volume in sight.

The underwhelming market in Mexico and fluctuating prices aren’t stopping Daniell, who anticipates that the lower-than-average prices in Bakersfield may increase to a more normal level sooner than later, for this time of year.

“Things are starting out on the cheap side, but it might work out so it’s in the $0.16 - $0.18 range for watermelons by the Fourth of July pull,” said Daniell.

According to the USDA, 24-inch bins of red flesh seedless watermelons out of the Imperial Valley and Central and Western Arizona were $0.12 - $0.14 on 35, 40, and 60 count as of June 14, 2015.

For Mexico crossings through Nogales, AZ, prices were $0.06 - $0.09 on approx. 35 count and 45 count, and $0.06 - $0.08 on approx. 60 count.

For cantaloupes out of the Imperial Valley, California, and Central and Western Arizona, prices were $10.00 - $12.95 for size 9s, $10.00 - $12.95 for 12s, and $6.95 - $8.00 for 15s as of June 12, 2015. Currently, production is on the tight side.

“The cooler weather in the Western U.S. has had a big effect on movement, and with the quality we’ve seen so far, I’m hoping for a productive season,” said Daniell.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as continue tracking the current state of the melon market.