C.H. Robinson's Watermelon Program Doubles Goal

On behalf of retailers nationwide, C.H. Robinson’s Pink Ribbon Watermelon program will donate $230,000 to breast cancer research organizations this year, doubling the program’s donations 2008.

The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program allows retailers to participate in a program that includes consistent supply, in-store support and a cause-marketing component.

“The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has been meaningful to retailers, through increased category sales, and consumers, through education and positively supporting their communities,” said Drew Schwartzhoff, director of produce marketing at C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minn. “As a leader in the watermelon category, we’re excited to see such a positive response.”

Since 2008, the Pink Ribbon Watermelon program has donated more than $460,000 on behalf of participating retailers to non-profit organizations focused on breast cancer research and prevention throughout the United States. One of the non-profit organizations is Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Minnesota.

Watermelon is fat free and is a source of the antioxidant lycopene. According to the American Institute of Cancer, studies have shown that 1.5 cups of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene, on average about 40 percent more than raw tomatoes. Scientists have found that diets high in lycopene correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer.