GLENDALE, WI – Maglio & Co. has completed a successful new product pilot program that evaluated their patented, retail watermelon bags.
The company has partnered with a national retailer for the last three months to test the bags in 300 stores across a substantial cross section of the U.S. market.
According to a press release, melon sales with the offering were strong, even in the late fall and early winter season, which confirmed the strength of the value proposition to the consumer. The test was so successful that the National Watermelon Association gave it a full endorsement.
“We are so pleased that consumers are responding so favorably to this product line,” said Sam Maglio, President of Maglio & Company. “We knew that there was tremendous opportunity to introduce innovation into the watermelon category and began exploring this packaging design over a year ago. After many iterations and tests, we were certain that we landed on a solution that consumers would find incredibly valuable. After seeing how well the pilot test has done, we are even more excited to introduce this product line to all of our retail partners.”
The program included two gusset bag designs custom sized for ¼ cut and ½ cut sliced watermelon. They feature a large window area to allow consumers easy viewing of the quality of the fruit before purchasing.
The patent pending design of the bags utilizes special properties of the bag film to keep the fruit fresh for a longer period of time – up to 11 days from the date of cutting and packaging versus the 3 days with conventional plastic overwrap.
Along with the extended shelf-life, this packaging benefits consumers with a carry handle, a compact, resealable storage bag to use at home and the ability to purchase only the desired amount of watermelon. The benefits to retailers include the elimination of wet and unsanitary displays, lower labor rates and lower shrink rates with each piece being 100% saleable upon arrival.
With the announcement of the successful product test, Maglio is making plans to roll out the current program to multiple retail formats utilizing strategically located fresh-cut facilities. The company is also working on a proprietary extension to the product line.
Congratulations on the successful test, Maglio!
