Title: Time is ripe to buy Texas watermelons
Headings: Time is ripe to buy Texas watermelons
Time is ripe to buy Texas watermelons
A ripe time to buy Texas watermelons

Content: "Until Memorial Day, there was a watermelon shortage and high prices," said Tony Anderson, owner of the Texas Melon Exchange in Edinburg. " Since then, it's been the exact opposite." Ron Catlett, general manager of the La Fiesta grocery stores, said with what suppliers are calling a bumper crop of watermelons from the Rio Grande Valley, prices could be down by 25 percent from last year. H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos also said prices for watermelons have fallen this year because of abundant supply. While growers hope demand picks up enough to boost prices through the huge July 4 holiday, Anderson is not convinced they will make the money they have in years past. Consumers, on the other hand, could catch a break. Many watermelons are available at chain stores for under $4, less than the price for medium-size watermelons last year, Anderson said. "I think shoppers can find good value in watermelons this year," said Bob Morrissey, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. He said the southwest region, including Texas, Arizona and California, have had good production this season, though some parts of the region started late because of weather problems. Those delays increased output in the summer months, which is part of the reason an oversupply has arisen now, officials said.