Classic Fruit and Westside Produce Complete Merger to Secure Year‑Round Melon Supply

Classic Fruit marks its 20th anniversary this year and has become one of the largest offshore melon shippers operating out of Guatemala. Westside Produce, backed by the TRI label, has grown since the 1950s into a leading domestic grower, packer, and shipper of cantaloupe and honeydew in California and Arizona. The companies first partnered in 2017, gradually aligning sales, farming, and food‑safety teams to move toward a continuous supply chain.

Steve Patricio, CEO of Westside Produce, said the firms have spent four years working to unite under one roof. Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce, noted that the merger turns the previous alliance into a fully integrated business, which typically yields faster decisions, lower costs, and a stronger competitive edge. Classic Fruit’s president highlighted the shared history and mutual respect built during the alliance period.

The combined entity will control both offshore sourcing and domestic distribution, reducing reliance on seasonal gaps and streamlining logistics. Customers can expect more consistent melon availability throughout the year, while growers may benefit from unified purchasing and technical support. Operational synergies are projected to cut overhead and improve responsiveness to market shifts.