NWPB Announces New Executive Committee

Third-Generation Watermelon Industry Worker and Importer Christian Murillo Elected to Lead Board

Winter Springs, FL – March 31, 2022 – National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) held its biannual board meeting in Nashville, TN on Wednesday, February 23 during which board member Christian Murillo was elected President by his peers. Prior to this nomination, Murillo (District 6, Nogales, AZ) served as Vice President, Foodservice Committee Chair, and has been a member of the Board since 2018.

“As President, I plan to spread my knowledge of all the great things about watermelon in order to impact those around me,” said Christian Murillo, NWPB Board President. “Watermelon is hands down the best fruit, and it’s available all year long thanks to domestic producers, handlers and importers that make it all happen.”

In addition to his work with the NWPB, Murillo also currently serves as Executive Member of the National Watermelon Association, the Vice President for the Western Watermelon Association, and a board member for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. Murillo is a third-generation watermelon industry worker and is Vice President of Sales and Operations for his family-owned business, Cactus Melon Distributors in Nogales, AZ.

“Christian is a true champion for the watermelon industry,” said Mark Arney, Executive Director, NWPB. “He embodies what it means to be leader and his passion for educating people about the benefits of watermelon is apparent in everything he does – we’re thrilled to have him serve as President.”

In addition to Murillo’s nomination, Lee Wroten (District 2, Cordele, GA) was elected Vice President, Cody Buckley (District 3, San Antonio, TX) elected Secretary/Treasurer and Steve Nichols (District 1, Lakeland, FL), John Lapide (District 4, Laurel, DE), Chris Elsie (District 5, Scottsdale, AZ) and Jordan Carter, Past President (District 2, Cordele, GA) represent the Executive Committee. For more information or a full list of the Board of Directors and Committee Assignments, visit the industry section of watermelon.org or contact Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at [email protected].

Download This Release

About National Watermelon Promotion Board

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 15.5 pounds in 2022. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.2 billion pounds in 2022. The United States exported an additional 328 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

Recent Press Releases

Key Shopper Behaviors Drive Growth of Watermelon Category

The U.S. watermelon category has experienced strong growth over the last year, with households across the country making an estimated $2.7 billion in fresh watermelon purchases.

Read More
Watermelon for All: NWPB Keeps Marine Corps Marathon Hydrated for the 11th Year

National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) participated in the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) for the 11th consecutive year. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the MCM is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of October and stands out as the largest marathon worldwide that does not offer prize money. Instead, it champions a spirited community experience, highlighted by the distribution of refreshing watermelon. This year, 16 pallets of fresh watermelon were enjoyed by participants and supporters from every U.S. state and numerous countries at the Finisher’s Festival, celebrating their marathon achievements.

Read More
National Watermelon Promotion Board Announces Winners of 2024 Retail Merchandising Contest, Highlighting Creativity and Consumer Engagement

National Watermelon Promotion Board has named the winners of
its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, including Grand Prize Winner, Gelson’s Market #23.

Read More

View More Press Releases

NWPB Announces New Executive Committee

Third-Generation Watermelon Industry Worker and Importer Christian Murillo Elected to Lead Board

About National Watermelon Promotion Board

Stay on top of what’s happening with Watermelon