Enza Zaden and Sprouts Farmers Market has partnered to bring Enza Zaden’s Moon & Stars seedless watermelon to market for the 2026 season. The rind pattern of Moon & Stars melons sets it apart from the striped or solid dark green, Enza Zaden says, with each melon displaying a unique galaxy-type pattern. This natural variation creates an engaging consumer selection experience, while consistent internal quality ensures confidence after purchase.
“Our focus is on developing varieties that bring value across the chain, and we’re pleased to partner with Sprouts on this heirloom-inspired seedless watermelon, which combines strong agronomic performance with traits that resonate with consumers,” Adrian Garcia Scott, Enza Zaden marketing manager for U.S. and Canada, says.
The new seedless watermelon features a dark green rind speckled with bright yellow “stars” for a unique galaxy-type pattern. Enza Zaden says Moon & Stars will deliver a reliable eating experience, with deep red flesh, crisp texture and distinctive sweet taste.
The company says that in blind consumer testing across five leading watermelon varieties, Moon & Stars ranked highest for both overall preference and taste experience, supporting potential for repeat purchase and category growth.
“This program was built with the end shopper in mind, combining strong field performance with a distinctive seedless watermelon that delivers consistent eating quality. Sprouts is the ideal partner to introduce Moon & Stars, given their focus on innovation, quality and differentiation in fresh, seasonal produce,” Justin Lanier, U.S. commercial director for Enza Zaden, says.
Moon & Stars is a Sugar Baby type melon that offers consistent performance and will be available exclusively at more than 480 Sprouts Farmers Market locations in 25 states through early September.
“Each one is visually unique, delivering a sense of surprise and delight in the produce department, while maintaining the exceptional eating quality our customers expect,” Meghan Diaz, senior director of produce at Sprouts, says. “We’re proud to introduce this exclusive variety as part of our ongoing investment in innovation, creating new ways for customers to explore, enjoy and reconnect with fresh, seasonal produce.”
