This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = cantaloupe(GDF v2.0, 3471 attributes, 28 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.0_export_2026-04-06.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Cantaloupe |
| Scientific name | Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis |
| Family / Genus | Cucurbitaceae / Cucumis |
| Produce category | Melon |
| Produce subcategory | Muskmelon |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4050 |
| PLU — organic | 94050 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_1371 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 150.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Athena | 25% | Eastern type, highly productive, excellent disease resistance (powdery mildew, fusarium), uniform netting, oval shape, excellent shipping quality, 12-14% brix, 80-85 days to maturity |
| Aphrodite | 18% | Eastern type, high yield, good disease resistance, consistent fruit size (3-4 lbs), heavy netting, round to slightly oval, 11-13% brix, 80-82 days to maturity |
| Infinite Gold | 15% | Western type, extra-long shelf life (industry leading), excellent shipping qualities, high brix (12-15%), oval shape, fine netting, fusarium resistant, 85-90 days to maturity |
| Cruiser | 12% | Eastern type, vigorous vines, good disease package, uniform fruit, heavy netting, 3-4 lb fruit, 10-12% brix, adaptable to various growing regions, 82-85 days to maturity |
| Avatar | 10% | Eastern type, exceptional disease resistance (fusarium 0-2, powdery mildew), high yields, uniform sizing, attractive netting, round shape, 11-13% brix, 82-86 days to maturity |
| Superstar | 8% | Eastern type, concentrated fruit set, strong vine vigor, excellent netting pattern, 3.5-4.5 lb fruit, good disease resistance, 11-13% brix, 85-88 days to maturity |
| Atlantis | 6% | Eastern type, high yield potential, fusarium race 0-2 resistant, uniform fruit size, heavy netting, good shelf life, 10-12% brix, 80-84 days to maturity |
| Hale’s Best Jumbo | 3% | Western type, standard market melon since 1920s, oval shape, coarse netting, thick salmon-orange flesh, 12-14% brix, excellent flavor, 85-90 days to maturity |
| Sugar Cube | 2% | Personal-sized melon (1.5-2.5 lbs), high brix (14-16%), single-serve market, round shape, good netting, excellent flavor, 75-80 days to maturity |
| Ambrosia | 1% | Eastern type, extra sweet (13-15% brix), large fruit (5-6 lbs), thick deep orange flesh, good disease resistance, attractive appearance, 86-90 days to maturity |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: 36°F.
- Freezing point: 29.9°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_high |
| Production rate (20°C) | 100 μL/kg·h typical (50–200) |
| Sensitivity class | moderate |
| Sensitivity threshold | 10 ppm |
| Climacteric? | Yes |
Agent note: CRITICAL: One of the highest ethylene producers in cold chain. Will accelerate ripening and senescence of nearby sensitive commodities. Isolate in transport and storage. Monitor daily for overripening.
Mixed-load compatibility
melon_group_high_ethylene
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? No
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Steady with slight decline (-1.5% annually) as consumers shift toward seedless watermelon and convenience fruits. Per capita consumption approximately 9.5 lbs/year. Premium and organic segments growing at 6-8% annually.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.85 |
| Income elasticity | 0.35 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -1.2 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Western Shipper/Net Types | 75% |
| Eastern/Supermarket Types | 18% |
| Organic Varieties | 5% |
| Specialty/Heirloom | 2% |
Pack sizes
- 9-count (large)
- 12-count (standard)
- 15-count (medium)
- 18-count (small)
- 23-count (extra small)
- Half-carton (6-count)
- Jumbo (6-count)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
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