Most US melons are kicking off 2026 with strong prices and plenty of optimism

United States watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes are expected to perform well this year, pending favorable weather. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says only two of the three have seen higher prices this first quarter compared to last year.

Cantaloupe production in 2025 was only up slightly from 2024, but prices of the commodity fell by a swooping $6 to $22.60 per cwt in 2025, from $28.40 per cwt in 2024. US fresh cantaloupe exports, on the other hand, rose 16 percent to 158.1 million pounds in 2025, the highest since 2017, according to the report.

Early 2026 has also been tough for cantaloupe sellers. From January to mid-March, cantaloupe prices were lower than last year. In February 2026, advertised retail prices for regular cantaloupes averaged $3.19 each, down six percent from the same month last year. The US cantaloupe harvest does not start until late spring, so most cantaloupes sold locally until then come from Honduras, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

Watermelons and honeydews see strong returns

Honeydew prices dropped in 2025, going from $31.60 per cwt in 2024 to $25.60 per cwt. However, things are improving for the melon variety this year.

Retail prices in January and February 2026 were five percent higher than last year, with prices averaging $4.37 in January and $4.36 in February.

Honeydew harvest usually starts in May, with the most domestic shipments in July and August. From January to mid-March 2026, honeydew imports, which accounted for the total US market during that period, were lower than the same time last year, mainly because shipments from Guatemala, the top supplier, were down.

US watermelons are already on the market, and prices are higher than last year. The season starts in April, and the local supply lasts until October.

In January and February, average retail prices for regular red-fleshed seedless watermelons rose by 16 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from 2025. Watermelons sold for about $4.75 each in January 2026 and $5.15 in February 2026. Domestic shipments are usually highest from June to August, so prices still have a long way to go.

*All images are referential. 

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