Melon Day provides a benchmark for summer production, which has been bountiful.
“August is the perfect time to celebrate melons because they can be found in abundance across the globe,” said Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. “In California, the hot, dry days bring on fantastic color and Brix, while the cooler, velvet nights allow the plant to rest.” This has allowed the alliance to continuously provide their retail, foodservice, and fresh-cut customers with the best melons all season.
In addition, the two companies are thrilled about their progress since the alliance began. “A like-minded approach provides our customers with the best most accurate information available to make buying decisions,” Patricio said.
“Our cohesion helps propagate the alliance for long-term growth,” said Tom Conrado of Classic Fruit. “With a veteran sales group and expanding leadership roles, we are driving the success of the alliance as one.”
The two grower, packer shippers have together achieved their goal of offering a one stop shop for year-round supplies of great-tasting and safe melons, with more to come.
“Future objectives of Westside Produce and Classic Fruit together as an alliance include listening to our customers for ways to improve so we can continue providing optimum melon quality, consistency, food safety and service every week, each year,” said Paul Raggio, president of Classic Fruit.
To commemorate their alliance progress in time for Melon Day, both companies agree the best way to celebrate is to scoop out the seeds of a melon and replace with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the best summer treat. Follow the recipe here from The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board site.