Win $5,000 This Summer: Enter the Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest

Summer is watermelon season, and the numbers prove it. Watermelon is the #1 selling fruit item by volume during the summer months, with peak retail sales occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), watermelon consistently ranks among the top produce items driving summer basket size, with nearly half of all annual watermelon purchases happening between June and August. 

That kind of sales power deserves a display worth stopping for, and this summer, you have the chance to be recognized (and rewarded) for it.

About the Contest

The NWPB is hosting its 18th Annual Watermelon Retail Merchandising Contest, and IGA stores are encouraged to enter. The contest runs from June 8 through the end of August, with all entries due by midnight EDT on September 14, 2026.

The goal is simple: show off your best watermelon merchandising. That means in-store displays and print or digital promotions. Any type of watermelon qualifies: whole, fresh-cut, mini, yellow, red, or a mix of all types.

What the Judges Are Looking For

Your entry will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Category visibility: Is watermelon easy to find and prominently featured?
• Visual merchandising: Does the display draw shoppers in?
• Use of materials: Are NWPB point-of-sale materials or other creative assets incorporated?
• Nutritional messaging: Does your display educate shoppers on watermelon's health benefits?
• Recipes and selection education: Are customers inspired to buy and learn?
• Print, online, and/or digital promotion: Are you extending the message beyond the store floor?

The NWPB wants displays that highlight watermelon's health benefits, happiness factor, value, and versatility, so think big and think holistically.

New This Year: Tajín® Partnership

This year's contest features an exciting new partnership with Tajín®, the iconic chili-lime seasoning. Stores are encouraged to incorporate Tajín® into their watermelon displays for a chance at a bonus reward: the first 100 qualifying entries that feature Tajín® will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. It's a simple way to add a trending flavor pairing that resonates with shoppers, and earn a little extra for doing it.

The Prizes

• 1st Place: $5,000
• 2nd Place: $2,500
• 3rd Place: $1,000
• 3 Honorable Mentions: $500 each

Bonus: The first 25 entrants, regardless of placement, will each receive a $20 digital gift card just for submitting. So there's a real incentive to get your entry in early.

How to Enter

1. Build your best watermelon display (in-store and/or digital/print) between June 8 and August 31.
2. Document it with photos, screenshots, or other materials.
3. Submit your entry via the official entry form by midnight EDT on September 14, 2026.

Have questions? Reach out to the NWPB directly at retail@watermelon.org.

This is a great opportunity to drive sales, engage shoppers, and put your IGA store on the map as a watermelon destination this summer. Whether you're going all-in with a full in-store takeover or combining a creative display with a digital push, enter early, make it count, and you could be walking away with $5,000.

Enter the contest here.