Melon shippers collaborating to offer year-round supplies

Two of the largest seasonal melon shippers will work together to provide cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and mixed melons year-round to retail, foodservice and fresh-cut customers.

Firebaugh, Calif.-based Westside Produce is one of its state’s largest melon suppliers, with domestic operations in Arizona and California from May through November. Classic Fruit Co., a leading importer of melons from Guatemala from November through May, has farming operations in Guatemala and sales offices in California and Florida.  

“By joining forces, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce are formalizing a 20-year relationship that will offer our customers top quality melons 52 weeks of the year,” Westside Produce President Garrett Patricio said in a news release. “A steady and consistent, uninterrupted supply of melons is what most customers desire. This alliance allows both companies to better serve those looking for that option.”

The strategic marketing alliance will begin this spring with melons from Arizona, followed by production from California’s central valley from July through October. Production will return to Arizona in the fall months. Between November and May, Westside and Classic Fruit will have imported melons from Guatemala.

“What’s unique about Westside Produce and Classic Fruit is that both companies control every aspect and phase of their operation,” Classic Fruit President Paul Raggio said in the release. “This begins with proper ground preparation, planting decisions, variety choices, cultural practices including inputs, pollination, and pest control. Classic Fruit and Westside Produce also each own and control our harvest, packing, quality control, cooling, marketing and shipping operations.”

The two firms also offer comprehensive food safety and traceability management systems, while incorporating sustainable production practices and safe work environments that promote social and environmental responsibility throughout all their operations, according to the release.

The new alliance’s sales will be led by Tom Ferguson, Tom Conrado and Mark George; each has over 20 years of experience in melon sales and nearly as much experience working together on programs to service customers, the companies said.

“Westside Produce and Classic Fruit are respected, vertically integrated grower, packer, shippers and each offers marketing and customer distribution across North America,” Conrado said in the release.

“We’ve worked together for nearly 20 years; this alliance just formalizes what’s become a valuable resource in keeping our customers happy,” Ferguson said in the release.

“As our customers ask for more service and support year-round, having a stable and consistent supply of fruit becomes ever more important. The shared values and unique similarities between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit will make delivering on our promises much easier,” George said in the release.