Nov 28, 2005 9:25 AM, from staff and wire reports

The Port of Corpus Christi TX has begun to receive shipments of honeydew melons and cantaloupes from Central America. As part of a contract, Frontera Produce, based in Edinburg TX, will be importing 2,400 tons of the produce from Guatemala-based Altobaso SA from November to May, except for February.

These melons will be transported to wholesale distributors, grocers, and retailers across the United States, including Kroger Co, H E Butt Grocery Co, and Wal-Mart Stores.

An investment two years ago in a 100,000-square-foot refrigerated storage facility has enabled the Texas Gulf Coast port to receive fresh produce.