Ayco Farms introduces 'Super Mini Me' watermelon
Ayco Farms introduces 'Super Mini Me' watermelon
Ayco Farms, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL, said that it has received strong response to its new "Super Mini Me" watermelon, which it debuted at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit exposition in Orlando, FL.
The "Super Mini Me" is currently at a semi-commercial level, as production has only recently begun and volumes are not yet large enough to market the item full scale. The orange- to grapefruit-sized watermelon is geared toward single-serving uses.
"We have enough seed to bring in enough boxes to give out samples and introduce the melon," Avi Nir, president of Ayco, told The Produce News. "It is being marketed to only the best major chain retailers wherever we find interest in the country."
The item's rind is very thin, maximizing the meat portion, according to Mr. Nir, who said that the watermelon is perfect for schools, where the top can be cut off and kids can eat the flesh with a spoon. The company also expects strong response from the foodservice industry. Mr. Nir said that the item is perfect with the bottom cut so the melon sits on a plate, served with ice cream.
"We have produced the 'Mini Me,' a personal-sized seedless watermelon, and what we call our family-style large seedless watermelon, for over six years," said Mr. Nir. "We are the first company in the world to offer all three sizes."
Ayco Farms sources its watermelons from Guatemala and Honduras, and in the spring, summer and fall seasons, it produces them in the United States. Mr. Nir said that the company is the largest offshore grower of personal seedless watermelons, and all of its production is shipped to the United States.
"From speaking with clients, we know that the personal-sized seedless watermelon has not taken away from the overall watermelon category but has helped it to grow by bringing more customers who would not have bought large melons," said Mr. Nir. "The 'Super Mini Me' should also increase the watermelon category in that it is a one-serving item."
Ayco Farms bought a farm in Guatemala in August from a grower who discontinued his operation. Mr. Nir said that the farm increased the company's production by almost double. The majority of the new acreage will be used for the production of cantaloupe, honeydew and personal-size watermelons.
"Our cantaloupe and honeydew melons are sold under the 'Ayco Farms' label," said Mr. Nir. "This year, we will produce approximately 4 million boxes of combined melon varieties with year-round availability."
The "Super Mini Me" is currently at a semi-commercial level, as production has only recently begun and volumes are not yet large enough to market the item full scale. The orange- to grapefruit-sized watermelon is geared toward single-serving uses.
"We have enough seed to bring in enough boxes to give out samples and introduce the melon," Avi Nir, president of Ayco, told The Produce News. "It is being marketed to only the best major chain retailers wherever we find interest in the country."
The item's rind is very thin, maximizing the meat portion, according to Mr. Nir, who said that the watermelon is perfect for schools, where the top can be cut off and kids can eat the flesh with a spoon. The company also expects strong response from the foodservice industry. Mr. Nir said that the item is perfect with the bottom cut so the melon sits on a plate, served with ice cream.
"We have produced the 'Mini Me,' a personal-sized seedless watermelon, and what we call our family-style large seedless watermelon, for over six years," said Mr. Nir. "We are the first company in the world to offer all three sizes."
Ayco Farms sources its watermelons from Guatemala and Honduras, and in the spring, summer and fall seasons, it produces them in the United States. Mr. Nir said that the company is the largest offshore grower of personal seedless watermelons, and all of its production is shipped to the United States.
"From speaking with clients, we know that the personal-sized seedless watermelon has not taken away from the overall watermelon category but has helped it to grow by bringing more customers who would not have bought large melons," said Mr. Nir. "The 'Super Mini Me' should also increase the watermelon category in that it is a one-serving item."
Ayco Farms bought a farm in Guatemala in August from a grower who discontinued his operation. Mr. Nir said that the farm increased the company's production by almost double. The majority of the new acreage will be used for the production of cantaloupe, honeydew and personal-size watermelons.
"Our cantaloupe and honeydew melons are sold under the 'Ayco Farms' label," said Mr. Nir. "This year, we will produce approximately 4 million boxes of combined melon varieties with year-round availability."
