Texas watermelon production reaches new heights with Caldwell family business
Watermelon Demand Soars as Fourth of July Approaches
CALDWELL, Texas – As the anticipation of Fourth of July festivities builds, Texas is witnessing an unparalleled demand for watermelons. Responsible for an annual harvest of over 600 million pounds, Texas stands as one of the forefront states in watermelon production. A significant part of this production belongs to the Brazos Valley, home to Wiggins Watermelons in Caldwell, a leading producer churning out millions of watermelons annually.
From Local Roots to Statewide Acclaim
Wiggins Watermelons, a fifth-generation family business, is one of the largest growers and shippers of watermelons across the state. Jody Wiggins, one of the owners, details their operations, asserting that they ship watermelon from May to October, with the peak period being the two weeks before the Fourth of July.
“During this period, we should ship around 600 to 700 loads from multiple locations,” says Wiggins. Each of these loads contain approximately 3,000 watermelons.
The Secret to A Successful Harvest
The flourishing success of Wiggins Watermelons is largely credited to the unique soil found in the Brazos Valley. Wiggins explains, “The Brazos Bottom lends a really nice flavor to the watermelons. The soil’s rich, heavy flavor greatly contributes to the taste of our produce.”
A Coveted Choice for Industry Professionals
Robert Johnson, a BBQ and catering company owner from Waco, frequently visits the Wiggins family for their watermelons among other local food supplies for his enterprise.
“These are some of the best watermelons in Texas right here, from Wiggins Watermelons. When paired with RJ’s Custom BBQ and Slovacek’s sausage, they make an unbeatable combination,” he praises.
Wiggins Watermelons Feeds Texas’s Demand
Each year, Wiggins Watermelons employs around 300 workers to warrant the delivery of the tastiest and juiciest watermelons for backyards BBQs and Fourth of July celebrations. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, watermelon production in Texas contributes over $160 million annually to the state’s economy. The family’s commitment and expertise, nurtured through a long-standing history in the business, lie at the heart of their massive success. “We’ve learned a lot over the years. I’d like to think we do a fantastic job. We have a loyal consumer base that follows us to any place we go,” affirms Wiggins.
Easily Accessible and Highly Prized
The family runs a fruit stand specializing in watermelons, located on the corner of F.M. 50 and F.M. 60 near the town of Snook. This stand has earned a reputation as a local favorite, delivering some of the best watermelons across Texas. “The soil, the seeding, and the way they handle the watermelons make Wiggins watermelons special,” shares Johnson. “The key to good watermelon is the handling. You don’t want bruised melons, and Wiggins does an exceptional job at this.” These testaments confidently affirm that as Texans prepare for the holiday, Wiggins Watermelons are ensuring a fresh, juicy watermelon will be on ready for many.
