With the expansion of its melon program kicking off, grower and distributor of off-shore melons Sol Group is now participating as an exhibitor in the upcoming United Fresh Show.
Kiss melon farm in Yuma, Ariz.
“We’ll be exhibiting this year for the first time because it’s the first year we as the largest grower and distributor of off-shore melons are entering the summer season with melons. Until now, we’ve always finished our melon seasons in May,” says Marion Tabard of Sol Group in Pompano Beach, Fl. “We usually didn’t participate in the shows at this time of the year because we didn’t have fruit available and the retailers are focused on the domestic deal.”
Sol’s supplies are just in early harvest out of Yuma, Ariz., where they grow before they make the switch to California. The program includes Cantaloupes, Honeydew melons and via a joint partnership with Milas and Diana Russell, it will also include the full line of Kiss melons, which includes Sugar Kiss, Summer Kiss, Honey Kiss and Golden Kiss. The company will also have one of its own newest varieties on display, the Honeydude melon. “It’s a Honeydew variety but it’s sweeter and smoother, and it’s also a finalist at the United Fresh Innovation awards,” says Tabard. “So we’ll showcase the Honeydude as well as part of the Innovation Awards.”
Golden Kiss melons.
Ease of same supplier
At Sol’s booth, the company will have not only information about the program but sampling of the melons also available. “It’s exciting for us because customers have been asking us for a full-year supply for some years and we’re happy to respond to their request. They no longer need to switch to a different supplier for the summer months,” says Tabard.
Tabard, who’s also a former United Fresh committee member, also says she’s looking forward to seeing what the show has this year that’s new and different.
Honey Kiss melons.
Sol’s summer melon program is just beginning, after wrapping the winter melon program in May, and will extend to the beginning of November.
For more information:
Marion Tabard
Fyffes North America
Ph: +1 (305) 529-1289
mtabard@fyffes.com
www.solmelons.com