By Hayley Boriss, Henrich Brunke and Marcia Kreith, Agricultural Issues Center, University of California.

Updated June 2011 by Diane Huntrods, AgMRC, Iowa State University.

Overview
Melons belong to the cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers. Cucurbits are thought to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America. Today’s predominant melon varieties include watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. For more information about  watermelon, please see the Watermelon profile.

Historically, cantaloupe production accounts for the greatest share of production value. In 2010 the value of U.S. cantaloupe production continued to drop, falling to $314.4 million. The value of U.S. honeydew production also continued to drop, sinking to $49.6 million.  (NASS 2011)

Demand and Marketing
The United States is one of the world's leading consumers of melons. Per person consumption of melons was an estimated 26.1 pounds in 2010. That year, cantaloupe consumption was 8.5 pounds and honeydew was 1.5 pounds (ERS 2011). Melon consumption has remained high for a variety of reasons, including health consciousness of consumers, improved year-round availability, creative marketing and improved varieties.

Melons are often consumed as desserts, snacks, breakfast foods and picnic foods. Marketing attempts recently have focused on pre-cut product displays, in-store salad bars and other strategies to appeal to the single-serving market and to smaller households. Seedless varieties have also helped spur consumption. In addition, industry improvements in harvesting and handling techniques as well as the introduction of sweeter hybrid varieties have improved quality and reduced the number of poor eating experiences.

Production
In 2010 U.S. cantaloupe acreage remained at 74,730 acres but cantaloupe production declined to 18.8 million cwt. California led the nation in cantaloupe production by acreage, volume and value. In 2010 the state produced 10.9 million cwt of cantaloupe, while Arizona produced 4.9 million cwt and Georgia produced 1.5 million cwt. Other states raising cantaloupe commercially include Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.  (NASS 2011) 

In contrast, honeydew acreage decreased to 14,700 acres in 2010 and honeydew production decreased to 3.2 million cwt. California is also the leading producer of honeydew, harvesting 2.4 million cwt, followed by Arizona and Texas.  (NASS 2011)

In the past, melons were considered “seasonal delights” because of their limited availability throughout the year. However, as production flexibility and imports have increased availability, melons have become available year round and have gained in popularity. Ideal growing conditions for melons include a long, warm frost-free season. Thus, the primary commercial producers of all U.S. melons are found in the southern portion of the country including California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Florida. The harvest season for melons lasts from April through December but varies within states.

In 2008 China was the largest producer of cantaloupes, harvesting 302.7 million cwt. Turkey was the second largest producer, followed by the United States.  (ERS 2009)

Price
Prices for all domestically produced melons have shown some variability over the years; however, both cantaloupe and honeydew prices have fallen in recent years. The season-average price for cantaloupe peaked at $25.17 per cwt in 1980 and was $16.70 per cwt in 2010, a drop of $1.50 per cwt from 2009. Honeydew prices peaked at $26.05 per cwt in 1981 and were $15.50 per cwt in 2010.  (NASS 2011) 

Exports
In 2010 the value of U.S. fresh melon exports increased to $139.5 million and more than 261,900 metric tons (MT) of cantaloupes were exported. Canada remained the major market for fresh U.S. melons. U.S. exports to Canada increased from $87.4 million in 2004 to $117.2 million in 2010. Other major purchasers of U.S. melons include Mexico and Japan.  (FAS 2010)

Imports
Today, the United States is a net importer (imports minus exports) of melons and the largest importer of cantaloupes and other melons worldwide. The majority of melons are imported from December through May; these imports generally originate in Latin American countries.

The value of fresh melons imported into the United States continued to increase in 2010, reaching $478.2 million, while the volume decreased slightly to nearly 1.1 million MT. Mexico remained the largest supplier of melons that year, and Guatemala remained the second largest supplier. Costa Rica and Honduras are also significant suppliers of melons.  (FAS 2010)

Outlook
Melon acreage for spring 2011 harvest is forecast at 68,000 acres, down 3 percent from last year. Cantaloupe acreage is down 1 percent from 2010. Honeydew acreage is up 8 percent from last year.   


Sources
Cantaloup, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, 2003.

Food Availability (Per Capita) Data System, ERS, USDA.

Honeydew melons, ERS, USDA, 2004.

Vegetables Annual Summary, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), USDA.

Vegetables and Melons Yearbook, ERS, USDA.

 

Created February 2006 and updated June 2011.