Melon 1 officially launches its 2026 domestic watermelon season with strong early harvests under way in Florida and an expanded growing program that will continue moving up the East Coast and into key Midwest regions throughout the summer. Simultaneously, the company is launching its second consecutive year of AI-supported consumer marketing campaigns designed to strengthen retailer support, increase shopper engagement and drive seasonal watermelon sales.

For the past four years, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce (TRI label) have worked together as a melon alliance, combining their offshore and domestic operations, alongside their sales teams, to be a year-round supplier. The two have now reached an agreement to officially merge together and unite the two melon companies under Classic Fruit, securing their 52-week year promise.

Recent trends indicate that over 50 percent of melon sales are influenced by advertising promotions. The U.S. retail market has seen an uptick in melon consumption, largely driven by consumers’ growing interest in fresh and nutritious produce. Melons have become a popular addition to healthy diets due to their nutritional benefits. Year-round availability has sustained consumer demand throughout all seasons.

With the offshore melon season in full force, the Melon Alliance consisting of Westside Produce and Classic Fruit reports steady improvement as production stabilizes following early seasonal challenges. During this season, the Alliance has continued to deliver consistent, high-quality melons while also reinforcing its commitment to its farms, partners and Fair Trade Certified practices.

The Kiss melons are here again, and it’s a perfect time to add them to your mixed melon display. Unlike typical melons, these are premium branded and known for their high sugar content, intense aroma and sweet, juicy flavor. They are harvested when they reach maximum ripeness. 

Kiss melons are arriving now and are ready for the produce department melon section. Customers will choose them for their elegant perfection and superior quality.

Legend Produce, a leading importer and domestic producer of melons for more than 25 years, is partnering with premier Honduran grower-exporter Agrolibano and Yuma, AZ-based Kiss Melons to launch a winter specialty melon program.

Beginning in February and running through May, the program will deliver Sugar Kiss (orange-flesh) and Summer Kiss (green-flesh) melons grown in the prime melon regions of southern Honduras.