Melon 1 says it wrapped up a powerhouse summer season after shipping approximately 300,000 custom retail display bins between the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
The family-run East Coast supplier adds that it is now expanding its fall production across North Carolina, Georgia and Florida to maintain supply through early December, using strategic merchandising to capture health-conscious shoppers.
“At a time when consumers are looking for more healthy options, merchandising watermelons throughout the produce department can be a simple way to capture additional impulse purchases and drive sales,” says Marian Lapide, vice president of sales and marketing for Melon 1. “We recommend putting watermelons where shoppers are making decisions, not just where they expect to find it, and give them one more reason to add fresh fruit to their cart ahead of the Labor Day holiday.”
The expanded acreage will help support retailers and foodservice operators as year-round watermelon programs continue to grow, according to the company.
“Our growth comes down to relationships,” says Trey Miller, chief operating officer. “We’ve spent decades building trusted partnerships with both our growers and our retail customers. That trust has allowed us to expand acreage, grow with our retail partners and continue delivering the premium quality and consistency our customers expect.”
While Melon 1 has the capabilities of a leading East Coast watermelon shipper, the company says it proudly maintains the same family-run flavor that has been at the heart of the business since the beginning. Team members work alongside growers throughout every production region, overseeing crops from planting through harvest and packing to help ensure premium quality for customers, the company says.
Melon 1 says food safety remains a cornerstone of its operation and that it follows standards that exceed USDA recommendations, providing retail and foodservice partners with confidence in the consistency, safety and quality of every shipment.
As the industry prepares for the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations in Nashville, Tenn., the Melon 1 team says it looks forward to reconnecting with customers, growers and industry partners, sharing ideas, strengthening relationships and discussing opportunities for continued growth.
“Southern Innovations is always one of our favorite opportunities to reconnect with customers, learn from others across the produce industry and strengthen the relationships that have helped define Melon 1 for decades,” says Rachel Syngo, chief marketing officer. “We always leave inspired by the people, the innovation and the relationships that make this industry so special.”
