Maglio Companies has responded to consumer demand for high-value produce by focusing on quality and convenience. In the high-volume category of fresh watermelon, their award-winning readyripe® watermelon pouch is now available to grocery retailers in two sizes with three levels of of technology and a new pricing structure to satisfy the unique needs of each retailer.
Sam Maglio, president and CEO of Maglio Companies launched this gusseted pouch concept for fresh quartered watermelon in 2015 and retailers are getting on board. “The development of the patented pouch took several years and significant field-testing to perfect it,” says Maglio. “We wanted to get the technology just right.”
The specially formulated technology of the pouch regulates oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor transmission rates. The natural respiration of the melon creates an enhanced atmospheric environment, resulting in the quartered watermelon staying fresh for a longer period of time.
“The reason we have developed additional options for the readyripe® pouch is that some high volume retailers have expressed to us that they do not always need the highest level of technological enhancement, but still want to maintain the convenience for their customers and take advantage of the production savings,”said Maglio. “We heard these concerns and have added more options.”
Retailer Benefits
Time and motion studies with leading grocers have shown that the readyripe® pouch reduces watermelon production time. The overwrap method can take up to three times longer than the readyripe® pouch to prepare quarter slices of watermelon for display in the store, and during busy watermelon season, retailers are looking for solutions to their labor challenges. (See time and motion study video here)
“There is an added benefit when you cut your production time in half or more,” explains Rick Butera, Management Consultant for the readyripe® product line. “Retailers can use the extra time to produce more quartered watermelon to satisfy peak season demand or use the extra time for other produce offerings that yields an additional stream of revenue and profit.”
Consumer Opinion
In-store pilot programs have shown consumers prefer the readyripe® pouched quarter watermelon and are willing to pay up to 20% more per pound. When Maglio representatives surveyed consumers in-store about their experience, three things rose to the top. Convenience, freshness and no mess. (see consumer explainer video here)
The pouched quarter watermelon gives customers a superior product and retailers options for increasing productivity and profits. The shopping experience is more enjoyable for the consumer who can more easily carry, handle and store the quarter watermelon while the retailer can increase productivity and meet consumer demand for convenient produce options.
All these benefits add up to the best definition of innovation.