In Russia, prices for watermelons and melons are projected to stay steady, a forecast reported by RT, which cited the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The ministry noted that melon production in the organized sector has hovered around 0.6–0.7 million tons in recent years, a level seen as sufficient to fully satisfy domestic demand. This assessment highlights a market that, for now, appears capable of balancing supply with consumer needs, reducing the likelihood of sharp price spikes in the near term. The takeaway signals a stable consumer landscape for these fruits, backed by official data and industry observations, and it underlines the ongoing role of the agricultural sector in safeguarding food availability across the country [Cited: RT; Ministry of Agriculture].
The ministry reiterated that the current stable price situation for melons and watermelons is expected to persist going forward. In practical terms, shoppers can anticipate a continued range of reasonably predictable prices at major retail points as the harvesting cycle progresses and government support measures aimed at stabilizing supply remain in place. Market observers point to the consistency of production volumes and the seasonal patterns that typically temper volatility, even as external factors such as weather and transport costs are monitored by authorities and industry stakeholders [Cited: Ministry of Agriculture].
In June, Berry Union’s president Irina Koziy suggested that watermelon and melon prices could rise significantly this season due to adverse weather, extreme heat, and prolonged drought. She warned that, alongside these climate challenges, the costs of multiple fruit and vegetable products are likely to climb as input prices—fuel, fertilizer, packaging, and logistics—continue to trend higher. The forecast aligns with a broader expectation across markets that harsh weather conditions tend to compress supply chains and push retail prices upward, a pattern many consumers have begun to anticipate as climate variability intensifies [Cited: Berry Union; industry observers].
At the end of July, Roman Ponomarev, an expert in melon cultivation, stressed that Russians may have only one more opportunity this season to purchase watermelons at comparatively lower prices before the market tightens. He attributed the shift to last year’s output dynamics and the unexpected shortfall this year, painting a picture of a market where supply dwindles as the harvest shortens and growers adjust to evolving agronomic conditions. In prior seasons, a surplus left many melons unharvested in fields, but 2024 brought a contrasting reality with reduced yields largely attributed to thrips infestation, a pest that has disrupted crop development and lowered market-ready volumes. The implication for consumers is a narrower window of favorable pricing, underscoring the importance of timely purchases and price monitoring as the season progresses [Cited: Ponomarev; agricultural reports].
For residents seeking reliable, safe sources to buy watermelons and cantaloupes, guidance remains available through official advisories and trusted market channels. Consumers are encouraged to verify fruit origin, inspect fruit condition upon purchase, and consider purchasing during the cooler morning hours when fruit quality is most likely to be preserved in local markets. The ongoing dialogue among producers, retailers, and regulators focuses on minimizing risks associated with pests and weather-driven variability, ensuring that safe options are accessible across different regions of Russia. As always, buyers are advised to stay informed through official market bulletins and seasonal forecasts, which help households plan purchases while supporting domestic agriculture [Cited: Ministry of Agriculture; market guidance].