WINTER SPRINGS, FL - Suppliers and retailers have a shared goal in increasing produce consumption. To support this necessary partnership, the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) named the winners of its annual Retail Merchandising Contest.

“This year’s entries were exceptionally innovative, showing watermelon’s health benefits and versatility through various media,” remarked Juliemar Rosado, Director of Retail and International Marketing. “The winners stood out for their consumer education focus, with displays highlighting watermelon selection, recipe ideas, and happiness. Whole, mini, and fresh-cut watermelons were also featured to appeal to a wider range of shoppers.”

According to a press release, this year’s contest drew over 140 entries from retail chains, independent retailers, and commissaries across the United States and Canada.

Now in its 16^th year, the contest encourages retailers to spotlight watermelon’s health benefits, value, and versatility through creative displays and marketing. Judging criteria included category visibility, point-of-sale materials, visual merchandising, messaging nutritional benefits, recipes, selection education, and the use of print, online, and digital platforms.

This year’s Grand Prize winner was Gelson's Market #23 in La Cañada, California. As the release stated, Gelson’s elevated its efforts this year, impressing judges with creative displays and consumer education initiatives such as in-store sampling events, social media recipe videos, and selection and nutrition education.

“The team at Gelson's #23 would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the talent we have at Gelson's Market,” said Thot Phommasaysy, Produce Manager at Gelson’s Market #23. “We take great pride in creating impactful displays that excite our customers. Gelson's La Cañada is proud to have won the Grand Prize this year in [NWPB’s] Retail Merchandising Contest. A special thank you goes out to Catrice Taylor, Produce Clerk for her dedication, hard work, and merchandising skills. Thank you, Catrice, for helping La Cañada Gelson's become this year's winner!”

Wegmans Food Markets in Rochester, New York, took home Second Place. Schnuck Markets in St. Louis, Missouri, secured Third Place.

Due to the quality of submissions this year, the NWPB awarded an additional Honorable Mention, recognizing a total of four retailers for outstanding efforts:

• Harps – Heber Springs, Arizona
• Riverside Market #1135 – Montrose, Minnesota
• Tops Friendly Markets – Dunkirk, New York
• United Grocery Outlet – Knoxville, Tennessee

Congratulations to these stores on their efforts! We love to see retail and supply link up and showcase the greatness of produce.