Schnucks Offers Specialty Melon Primer at Produce U

Schnuck Markets and Frieda’s recently teamed up again for a melon-focused lesson plan during its latest Produce University session, a highlight of which was a primer on the basics of gourmet Kiss melons.

“When it comes to melons, expertise is within our reach, because of the training from Frieda’s,” says Mike O Brien, VP of produce for the St. Louis-based chain.

The in-store, open-house style educational event was held in the produce department at all Schnucks, Logli and Hilander locations and produce staff conducted free tastings of three featured melons: Honey Kiss, Golden Kiss and Sugar Kiss, grown exclusively by the specialty melon farm, Sandstone Marketing of Yuma, Arizona.

“Our customers were delighted when tasting all of the varieties of these tasty melons,” noted O’Brien, which he said was evidenced by “the smiles on their faces. Produce University highlights our produce managers’ knowledge while providing shoppers with fresh education in the produce department,” O’Brien added.

Frank McIntyre, assistant produce manager for Schnucks, was also featured on the “Living Well” morning show segment on the CBS affiliate in Peoria, Ill., during which he talked about Produce University and gave a few tips on how to pick the perfect summer Kiss melon.

“Everyone did a fantastic job and really showed up as food experts,” said O’Brien about the Schnucks team.

Schnuck Markets – which operates 100 stores (including five Logli and seven Hilander stores) and 95 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa – has partnered with Frieda’s for the past four years to offer Frieda’s Produce University. Education and training has included themes about summer melons and a “Fresh Twist on Holiday Cooking.”

Since 1989, Frieda's Produce University has helped educate consumers with in-depth product information, preparation ideas and samples of the latest specialty fruits and vegetables within grocers’ produce departments.