Watermelon shipments have been unsettled because of lighter yields leading up to the Fourth of July, thanks to unfavorable weather conditions. However, more but normal shipments with better weather are now expected, according to Riverbend Fresh LLC of Kerman, CA.
That abnormal weather is tracing back to the warm spring that produced a mixed set of melons. The desert had poor yields and product came on early, resulting in mixed quality. Then Bakersfield, CA started with light volume.
Looking ahead, more normal production is anticipated for mid to late July. Last year there was overproduction. This year Riverbend anticipates it to be back to normal with more of a reasonable market.