Muskmelon Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

• Research suggests muskmelon prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 ranged from about $1.20 to $1.55 per pound, based on USDA and estimated data.

• It seems likely that prices increased gradually, reflecting inflation and market trends, with 2025 estimated at $1.53 per pound.

• The evidence leans toward these prices being for cantaloupes, commonly referred to as muskmelons in the US, though exact data for some years is estimated.

Background and Context

Muskmelons, scientifically known as Cucumis melo, are a species of melon that includes various cultivated varieties, such as cantaloupes, honeydews, and others. In the US, the term "muskmelon" is often used interchangeably with "cantaloupe," particularly referring to the netted-rind melons with sweet, orange flesh. These melons are a significant part of the US diet, valued for their nutritional content, including vitamins A and C, and are commonly consumed fresh. The US both produces and imports muskmelons, with major production states like California and Arizona, and imports from countries like Mexico, influencing prices based on domestic supply, global trade, and retail dynamics.

Price Estimates

Based on available USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) data and Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, the estimated retail prices per pound are as follows:

Historical Price Trends (2020–2025)

The following table summarizes the estimated retail prices per pound, derived from USDA ERS data and CPI adjustments:

The CPI index values for December 2020 to 2024 were sourced from FRED, with 2025 estimated using the average of January (353.585) and February (351.810) values, assuming March at 350 for calculation, resulting in an average of approximately 351.8.

Market Dynamics and Influencing Factors

• Inflation and Consumer Demand: The CPI data shows a steady increase in prices for fruits and vegetables, reflecting broader inflation, with a 2.8% rise in the all-items CPI from February 2024 to February 2025, as reported by the BLS Consumer Price Index Summary. This likely contributed to the upward trend in muskmelon prices.  

• Seasonal Availability: Muskmelons are typically a summer fruit, with peak production in states like California and Arizona, affecting prices based on seasonal supply and demand. Imports, particularly from Mexico, also influence prices, especially during off-seasons.  

• Global Supply Chains: Import volumes and costs, especially from Mexico, impact prices, with trade data suggesting increased imports in recent years.  

• Retail Markup and Distribution: The estimated prices reflect retail levels, accounting for transportation, processing, and retailer margins, consistent with ERS data showing retail prices higher than farmgate prices.

Conclusion

Research suggests that muskmelon prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 ranged from approximately $1.20 per pound in 2020 to $1.53 per pound in 2025 (estimated), based on USDA ERS data and CPI adjustments. The evidence leans toward a gradual increase, reflecting inflation and market trends, though discrepancies with other sources highlight potential variations in market segments.