Consumers, retailers benefit from Maglio's fresh-cut watermelon bags
Consumers, retailers benefit from Maglio's fresh-cut watermelon bags
Maglio & Co. has completed a new product pilot program evaluating its patented, retail watermelon bags. Over the last three months, Maglio partnered with a national retailer to test the bags in 300 stores throughout a cross section of the U.S. market.
The company said melon sales with this offering were brisk even in the late fall and early winter season, confirming the strength of the value proposition to the consumer. The test also earned full endorsement by the National Watermelon Association.
The company's cut watermelon program includes two gusset bag designs custom sized for quarter-cut and half-cut sliced watermelon. The bags, which have a large window area to allow consumers easy view of the fruit quality before purchasing, keep the fruit fresh for an extended period of time — up to 11 days from the date of cutting and packaging as compared to three days with conventional plastic overwrap methods, the company said in a press release.
Aside from the extended shelf life, the benefits for consumers include a carry handle, a compact, resealable storage bag to use at home, and the ability to purchase only the amount of watermelon they need. Retailers also benefit from the elimination of wet and unsanitary displays, lower labor rates and lower shrink rates since each piece is 100 percent saleable upon arrival.
With today’s announcement of this successful product test, Maglio & Co. is making plans to roll out the current program to multiple retail formats utilizing its strategically located fresh-cut facilities. Additionally, the company is working on a proprietary extension to the product line in the next several months.