W47: Weekly Melon and Watermelon Update
United States
Melons in the United States Market During W46 (Nov 22)
During W46, honeydews remain to have a good supply and quality. Cantaloupes supply from Mexico is not keeping up with USA demand, but imports from Guatemala and Honduras are starting. Guatemala will start in W48-W49 and Honduras in W50-W51. Production from Mexico has been slow and has made the watermelon supply short. And Florida's fall season is nowhere near what was seen in the summer months, which was very plentiful. Florida should finish by the end of November and move into Mexico and offshore fruit for the winter months.
Brazil
Brazilian Melons Face Constant Delays and Over Bookings (Nov 21)
Brazilian melons are facing constant delays and overbookings caused by shipping lines. Suppliers mentioned that the season 2022-2023 is one of the worst seasons for exports of Brazilian fruits, with booking decreases and overbooking affecting exporters. In W46, over 70 FCLs of Brazilian melons were left at the port by CMA-CGM with "greater force" as an explanation.
During W46, over 70 FCLs of melons and watermelons were left by CMA in Brazil due to overbookings and claimed Force Majeure. Exporters had two options, leaving the containers waiting to possibly be loaded during W47 or loading the containers onto an express vessel, which would take a detour through the Caribbean to the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. Once arrived, the fruit was transported from the Zeebrugge port to Rotterdam. Some exporters had to take the express vessel to transport their loads.
Brazilian Melon Exports +63% In October (Nov 22)
Brazilian melon exports increased in October 2022. According to the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), 35K tons were shipped in October 2022, 63% more than in September, but 23% less than in October 2021. The MoM increase was forecasted as the harvest in producing states such as Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará is progressing.
Melon Low Supply and Growing Demand Boost Prices in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil (Nov 25)
The yellow melon was appreciated in the São Francisco Valley (BA/PE). The variety sold in bulk ended the period with an increase of 15% compared to W46, with an average price of USD 0.16/kg.
