Drinks producer Mello is set to extend its watermelon seeds to Holland & Barrett, following their launch at other health food stores in the summer.
The superfood, which can be eaten as a snack or a topping for salads, dips and recipes, has secured a listing at almost 600 Holland & Barrett stores across the UK. ‘Lightly salted roasted’ and ‘mild chilli roasted’ watermelon seeds will be available for purchase at the chain from 31 October.
Since launching the watermelon seed range in May 2016 – firstly at Wholefoods Market and Planet Organic – Mello has grown from retailing at 9 London stores to securing over700 stores nationwidein just under 6 months. Mello has also secured further listings at retailers for 2017.
Mello first entered the market with its range of cold-pressed melon juices in 2014, and has since seen an average growth rate of400 per cent year-on-year.
Understanding consumer needs has been key to this success, according to the manufacturer, which has carved out a niche in the melon category.
The business has capitalised on a trend towards healthy snacking, with research showing that while crisp sales have fallen three per cent, sales of nuts and seeds have increased by24 per cent in the past few years.
Watermelon seeds are high in fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium and protein, as well as being gluten-free.
