Robinson Fresh, the new global business brand of CH Robinson, has teamed up with Cub Foods to attempt to beat the Guinness world record for largest fruit display.
Robinson Fresh will supply and transport four truckloads of fresh MelonUp! Pink Ribbon watermelon to the Cub Food’s store in Maple Grove. The display will be approximately 1,500ft2 in area and contain about 10,200 watermelons. The total weight is estimated to be 157,000 pounds exceeding the current record of 11,023 pounds.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit the display on Saturday, 26 July to receive free watermelon samples, take part in a watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests, and spin the watermelon wheel for a chance to win various prizes. In addition, Fairview Clinics’ mobile mammography unit will be on-site, and representatives from Susan G. Komen Minnesota will be available to talk with consumers about nationwide breast cancer research efforts.
“We are excited for the opportunity to promote MelonUp! Pink Ribbon watermelon, an important summer product of ours, in such a big way,” said Darren Caudill, vice-president of merchandising and sales for Cub Foods. “We invite everyone to visit the store, where they can enjoy the celebration while also gaining additional education about local breast cancer awareness efforts.”
The MelonUp! Pink Ribbon branded watermelons are tied to Robinson Fresh’s causemarketing programme, in which a portion of all watermelon sales are donated to breast cancer research organisations on behalf of participating retailers.
Cub Foods, a long-time supporter of the programme, has donated nearly $70,000 since 2008.
“We value and appreciate Cub Foods and Supervalu’s support of the Pink Ribbon Watermelon programme,” said Josh Knox, category general manager at Robinson Fresh. “The programme began with the intention of educating consumers about the multitude of health benefits that watermelon can provide, and has developed into a fun and collaborative way for retailers to give back to and raise awareness within their communities.”
Watermelon is fat free and packed with immune-boosting vitamins such as A, B6, and C. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant studied for its potential role in reducing risk of certain cancers, than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has donated nearly US$950,000 to nationwide breast cancer research organizations on behalf of retail customers. To find out more about the Pink Ribbon Watermelon programme, visit the programme’s Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr pages.
