Maglio Cos. successfully protected its patent for the ReadyRipe quarter-sliced watermelon pouch. The company said this accomplishment not only underscores its dedication to innovation, but also serves to preserve trust with retailers who may not have previously utilized the original ReadyRipe pouch.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Watermelon promotions stand to receive a fresh injection of capital in 2025 following a vote by the industry to increase the assessment rate tied to watermelon shipments.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The National Watermelon Association’s 109th annual convention, held Feb. 21-24, here, at the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, featured many of the time-honored traditions of past conventions such as the National Watermelon Queen competition, the seed spitting contest and the annual watermelon auction.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The 109th annual National Watermelon Convention, aka the annual “Watermelon Family Reunion,” kicked off Feb. 21 with an opening reception, here, at the We-Ko-Pa casino resort, drawing attendees from across the country. The reception was held at nearby Fort McDowell Adventures and offered a number of western activities with the beautiful Arizona desert in the backdrop. A guest appearance by NASCAR legend and watermelon industry supporter Ross Chastain was a highlight of the evening.

The National Watermelon Association’s annual convention has long been referred to by its members as the annual Watermelon Family Reunion, and despite a new “head of the household,” the family reunion returns with the same enthusiasm for its 109th iteration Feb. 21-24 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Ark Foods, the modern-day farming company on a mission to showcase the magic of vegetables, knows that fruits, too, can be magical. In its most recent venture, the innovative company has announced a pilot project expanding into the fruit industry with a watermelon trial.