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We have all the information you'll need at the retail level here, including types of watermelon, availability charts, and PLU/UPC codes.
Did you know that watermelon grows in over 96 countries worldwide and there are over 1,200 types of watermelon?
The National Watermelon Promotion Board is now licensed to share with the industry the Partnership for Food Safety Education's Be Food Safe national consumer food safety education effort. Soon we hope to be participating with in-store watermelon promotions and other efforts to bring together public health and private company efforts to significantly increase nationally the exposure of consumers to the core four messages of safe food handling: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.
Here is an excerpt as it pertains especially to fresh produce: "Clean."
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Watermelon Types
Watermelon was grown by the ancient Egyptians, and it´s still evolving today.
Because of new developments in watermelon varieties, the market for watermelon continues to grow and change. A decade ago, the development of seedless varieties practically revolutionized the watermelon market, making this age-old fruit appealing to today´s more discriminating consumers. Other varieties, like yellow and orange flesh watermelon, have also created additional intrigue and appeal, opening up the market to new consumers.
So what´s next in the world of watermelon? We can´t say, but you can be sure that whatever it is, the NWPB will play in integral role in bringing it to you.
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Availability
Watermelon is not just a summer fruit - it is delicious, nutritious and available year-round! The United States produces its own watermelon April through November, and the rest of the year it is imported.
View the updated peak production calendar, covering US grown and imported watermelons |
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PLU and UPC Codes
Watermelon PLU´s include the following:
4031 - Red Seeded Watermelon
4032 - Red Seedless Watermelon
4347 - Fresh Cut/Half Watermelon *Stop and Shop
4340 - Yellow Seeded Watermelon
4341 - Yellow Seedless Watermelon
3281 - Orange Seedless Watermelon
4331 - Mickey Lee/Sugar Baby
3421 - Mini Seedless Watermelon |
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4342 to 4376 - This series of PLU codes is available for retailer assignment. They can be used to distinguish a specialty watermelon, a unique size or cut melons.
There are five UPC codes established so far for watermelon. All are for use with manufacturer #033383. This manufacturer number is a generic watermelon manufacturer number.
40240 - Red Flesh Seedless Watermelon
40241 - Orange Flesh Seedless Watermelon
40242 - Red Flesh Seeded Watermelon
40243 - Mini Seedless Watermelon
40247 - Mini seedless 2-count boxes
Should you be interested in applying for your own UPC code and manufacturer number, you may use the above UPC codes or you may choose your own.
The NWPB can apply for a new PLU or a new UPC directly through the Produce Marketing Association. Information is available on their website at this link: PMA Product Identification
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