Background

Welcome to the official web page for Vandervoet and Associates, Incorporated.

We are fresh fruit and vegetable shippers and brokers based in Nogales, Arizona.

Vandervoet and Associates, Inc. was founded in 1994. Currently we ship Cantaloupe, Honeydew, and other varietal melons, as well as Watermelon grown in the state of Sonora, Mexico. Shipping seasons are October through December and April through June. We also broker winter fruits and vegetables out of Nogales, Arizona.

The purpose of this web log is to serve as a resource for actual and potential clients who are interested in progression of the spring and fall melon-growing seasons in Sonora, Mexico. We will provide updates on crop development and climate so as to better inform buyers of harvest trends.

Field Update from Hermosillo, Sonora- Part 4

Watermelon and Cantaloup are 7-10 days from harvest. A quick cooling period is expected this coming weekend, but then temperatures will pick back up, and push the fruit. Honeydew is 1 week behind the other melons. See the photos below. 

Field Update from Hermosillo, Sonora- Part 3

The following photos were taken the week of April 2nd, 2012. 

At this stage white styrofoam platforms are placed under the cantaloupe melons. The melons are occasionally turned slightly to insure even ripening- although upon harvest you may notice the final foam resting position leaves four faint marks, in the shape of a cross. The presence of such faint marks (they can't always be seen) on harvested melons insures that the fruit was grown separated from the surface of the soil- thus reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.

Cantaloupe Field

Cantaloupe on styrofoam

Cantaloupe Vine Production- melons are on styrofoam

Honeydew Field

Honeydew

Honeydew Vine Load

Watermelon Field

Watermelon