SEATTLE, WA - Fresh cherries are rolling out on shelves across the retail market, and consumers are ready and waiting to snatch them up. With supplies coming out of the Pacific Northwest in the coming weeks, Oppy’s Orchard View brand relayed a positive outlook on the season.
“Our hearts go out to our fellow cherry growers,” shared Orchard View President Brenda Thomas in reference to recent weather challenges. “We have been very fortunate in The Dalles, where our microclimate in the hillsides of the Columbia River Gorge protected us from the cold snap and encouraged bees to migrate and pollinate as they sensed warmer weather. We’re humbled to share that we have a high-quality crop of good volume for our customers.”
Starting in mid-June, the season is expected to present a steady supply through July along with phenomenal sizing and first-class flavor.
Orchard View picks, packs, and ships within 24 hours, a value proposition that is strengthened by its position as a 100 percent cherry-focused grower.
“Our valued customers who have been consistently amazed at Brenda’s commitment to quality fruit can expect to be fully supported through the season and trust in those supply lines,” Oppy’s Senior Vice President of Categories and Marketing James Milne said. “She does not sacrifice in any area of Orchard View’s operation.”
Orchard View’s operations are strengthened even further by a formidable workforce. Housing is offered to cherry pickers and their immediate family at no cost, and new facilities with play structures for children and a full-size soccer field have been recently added to the property, according to a press release. Thomas shared that it’s not just about work, but about what you do after work, and that quality of life is very important to Orchard View.
“It can be unnerving to hear the estimates of 2022, and we want our workers, consumers, and retail to know that we have ‘pickable’ cherries,” Thomas said, noting how this year builds on Orchard View’s “Pick Your Moments” mantra introduced in 2016.
Last year, Oppy expanded its import stonefruit program from Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand, which resulted in doubled volumes. With nearly year-round availability, cherry offerings will be available May through January.
For more “pickable” news in the fresh produce industry, keep coming back to ANUK.
