Smooth Shift from Domestic Growing Regions and Prep for Offshore Melon Programs Secures Uninterrupted Category Supply from Melon Alliance

FIREBAUGH, CA/YUMA, AZ – With a few weeks left in the domestic melon season, Westside Produce/Classic Fruit is reflecting on another successful harvest across its California and Arizona growing regions as they prepare for their offshore operations. The company reports a strong finish for cantaloupes and honeydews, supported by steady demand and dedicated retail, foodservice, and fresh cut partners across the country.

Cantaloupe and honeydew melons out of the westside of California have just wrapped up and transitioned to Yuma for the remainder of the domestic season. “The transition from California to Arizona was right on schedule,” comments Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce. “We had a small overlap of production but sufficient to cover the needs of all customers in different regions. This continues to allow us to provide an uninterrupted supply of melons to our customers, no matter the time of year or growing season.”

Although production and the transition have been successful, the season hasn’t come without its challenges. “Additional supply in the marketplace was the biggest test, but our alliance operated effectively in providing a consistent supply of product to our core customers,” adds Patricio. Tom Ferguson, VP of Sales at Classic Fruit, agrees by adding “the increase in melon production was difficult, but our alliance navigated through those periods very well, giving us the success that it did.”

Another persistent challenge this season has been inclement weather. Patricio says, “Late season rains in California and Arizona have created some gaps in harvest and presented a challenge getting clean fruit out of the field.” “We know the transition periods in spring and fall are the most challenging, but we navigate these periods to take care of our core customers,” adds Ferguson.

In spite of the difficulties, the overall domestic melon season has proved to be yet another successful one. “Quality and yields were absolutely fantastic,” continues Patricio. “The care our growers, harvest team, and supply chain partners take in each step of the process allows us to have the amazing quality and production that we always strive for.”

With the final domestic shipments wrapping up in the next few weeks, the Westside Produce and Classic Fruit alliance is already looking ahead to its offshore melon season in Guatemala. The company’s offshore program allows for a steady, uninterrupted supply of melons throughout the winter months, providing customers with the same dependability they enjoy during the domestic season. “This season, we are looking forward to showcasing our Fair Trade Certification and continuing to provide high quality melons,” states Ferguson. “We struggled last offshore season with newly imposed tariffs, weather related events, and port delays, which made for an extremely challenging year. However, in the short 4 years since our alliance was created, we have built an incredibly solid team that allows us to be prepared for most unknowns and gives us the tools to continue providing our partners with melons every day of the year.”

Through careful planning, quality control, and transparent communication, the company continues to bridge the gap between growing regions, ensuring consistent flavor, freshness, and availability 52 weeks a year!