VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - With its beautiful weather, ocean views, and proximity to crucial California agriculture regions, it's no surprise why Monterey has been chosen to host a myriad of industry events. Next up is International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foodservice Conference, and Jim Leach, Sales Manager for Oppy, gave me insights on what the supplier has in store for attendees.
“We’re featuring four key products from Oppy’s offerings, including Oceanside Pole tomatoes, Eco Farms avocados, Ocean Spray berries, and red and green grapes,” says Jim. “We are thrilled to bring a wide variety of unique offerings to our foodservice partners, especially in this ever-challenging market. As competition increases, our partners can expect the world from us for exclusive and delicious products.”
Oceanside Pole is reportedly the only large-scale, pole-grown operation remaining in California. Each of its tomatoes is given time to soak up the sunshine and masterfully ripen on the vine through its unique growing practices. As Jim explains, this creates optimal Brix levels, robust flavor, a deep red color, and a clean-slicing texture. The grower’s tomatoes are packed, shipped, and delivered within 24 hours to customer specifications, meaning the foodservice operators receive them at peak freshness, adding delightful flavor to their dishes.
Adding to Oppy’s showcase are Eco Farms avocados, brought to the North American market year-round, growing in regions including California, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Eco Farms celebrates 50 years growing, shipping, and marketing avocados in 2022, and looks to delivering premium avocado solutions through its vertical integration with Oppy.
New Happy Berry™ hydroponic strawberries also provide a unique year-round option for foodservice operators. They are grown in a protected ecosystem on raised tabletops to ease labor and reduce chemical inputs. The Ocean Spray brand also includes a full lineup of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, to meet summer demand around the berry patch.
Rounding out Oppy’s display, we can’t forget its mouth-watering grapes.
“We are currently transitioning from Mexican to Californian grapes with the crop running about a week ahead of last season,” adds Jim. “Growing conditions are conducive for high-quality, consistent sizing, and delicious grapes. Our red and green grapes are also available in the trusted Ocean Spray brand.”
So far this year, product demand has been strong for Oppy, and the company is excited to continue growing national programs with its trusted partners and doing what it can to make their lives easier.
“In addition to each product’s unique characteristics, Oppy can customize packs and programs to fit all foodservice needs,” Jim continues. “Whether it’s volume fill instead of two layers to larger packs or arriving in any state of ripeness, we are happy to tailor to your requests — just reach out to our team.”
Not only does Oppy have a wide range of products to meet its customer’s needs, but the company has an array of other vital services to streamline the transportation process, packaging, and more.
“Oppy is not only a grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh produce, Oppy Transport, the transportation and logistics arm of The Oppenheimer Group, is also a part of our package when you partner with us,” Jim emphasizes. “We contract with our carrier partners on fruit and vegetable transportation and moving dry and temperature-controlled freight. Offering a wide array of solutions to manage the ongoing impacts of supply chain issues, Oppy can assist all of your foodservice needs on one truck.”
Sound like a partnership made in foodservice heaven? Swing by Oppy’s booth, #513, to get more insights from its knowledgeable team.
