ORLANDO, FL – Consumers looking to boost their intake of the antioxidant lycopene have a new reminder about how they can get it -- the new “Lycopene Leader” logo for watermelon. The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has developed and introduced the logo to help educate consumers about one of the key benefits of watermelon.

While other fresh produce items, including tomatoes, contain lycopene, watermelon is the leader. Fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes – a 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 mg and one medium-sized tomato contains 4 mg. A number of studies have drawn a correlation between lycopene, and the possible prevention of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

“The full-color logo features the smiling watermelon character that quickly communicates “watermelon” and reminds everyone that it is fun and delicious,” said Wendy McManus, NWPB director of marketing. “The statement ‘Lycopene Leader in Fresh Produce’ is short and sweet, to help consumers remember the message,” she added.

The logo is available to watermelon growers and shippers, bin manufacturers, and label companies who are encouraged to use it throughout their programs. NWPB plans to work closely with produce retailers to encourage them to place the logo in ads and on point-of-sale material in their departments so consumers will see the message in the ads and the department, and then again, on the watermelon bins and labels. The logo will appear on the NWPB web site and is available on the new NWPB CD-ROM. The logo was introduced at the National Watermelon Association convention in Savannah, GA, Feb. 27 through March 2, 2003.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board, based in Orlando, FL represents 2,500 growers, shippers and importers. Through research, communication and marketing initiatives, the Board is finding new ways to enhance market opportunities for farmers and to promote the nutritional, culinary and convenience benefits of watermelon. For additional information visit www.watermelon.org, or contact Leslie Coleman 407-657-0261 or lcoleman@watermelon.org.