Trendspotting: Watermelon prices on the rise

The full-fledged watermelon season is right around the corner, and in preparation watermelon prices are on the rise, up 20 percent over the previous week, according to ProduceIQ. Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ, said short supply on both coasts is the reason for the elevated prices — at a 10-year high for the fourth consecutive week. “Import volume is historically low, and domestic production won’t be able to provide relief for at least three more weeks,” he said.

On the other end of the spectrum, after a few weeks of declining prices, eggplant markets are back on the rise. He said Florida’s supply is significantly below the norm for week No. 10 as growers in Mexico are working to cover the gap. “Import supply is tight but should stay steady or even increase through March,” he said. “Florida's strong demand and anemic supply will likely keep prices trending above average for the next three weeks.”

Once again, harsh weather (last week’s high winds) has impacted lettuce and leaf markets in the Southwest growing regions. Due to high winds, prices of Romaine are up 18 percent over the previous week, and the prices of Iceberg are up 41 percent.