Classic Fruit and Westside Produce have reached an agreement to officially unite the two melon companies under the Classic Fruit label. The companies have worked together as a melon alliance for the past four years, combining offshore and domestic operations.
Westside Produce, with its TRI label, began in the 1950s and has been a prominent grower-packer-shipper of cantaloupe and honeydew in California and Arizona. Classic Fruit, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, is one of the largest offshore melon shippers out of Guatemala and has since expanded its footprint to include domestic partnerships starting in 2017.
“By bringing together two organizations with shared values and a commitment to quality, we are strengthening our ability to deliver consistent supply, drive innovation and create long-term value for our customers and partners,” says Westside Produce CEO Steve Patricio. “The Westside Produce family of employees and growers is incredibly optimistic about the future of the melon category as our merger with Classic Fruit will allow us to continue to evolve.”
The companies say this merger brings together decades of expertise in farming operations, customer partnerships, food safety programs, commitment to quality and sustainability and more.
“This move isn’t just symbolic; it turns a cooperative relationship into a fully integrated business, which usually means faster decisions, lower costs and a stronger competitive edge,” says Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. “This union is important to our customers, growers and employees as it creates year-round opportunities and continuity in the supply chain.”
The companies say there will be more updates in the future with their integration plans.
“We couldn’t be more aligned in merging the TRI/Patricio melon legacy into Classic Fruit. We have a shared vision, so it makes this announcement an incredible opportunity for the commodity,” says Paul Raggio, president of Classic Fruit. “Together, we are building a stronger future, and we are excited to bring everyone along for the journey.”
