VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - In the month of February, the world around us becomes a beautiful montage of red and pink hues. Oppy has played a key part in this, bringing red kiwifruit to North America for nearly a decade. In recent seasons, the purveyor has made moves to build the market with a fresh crop from Italy and Greece.
“This is a really exciting extension to the kiwifruit category,” said Steve Woodyear-Smith, Vice President of Categories for Tropicals. “By bringing something different to retail that delivers health, flavor, and color choices, it attracts those produce-conscious consumers looking to try a new item and expand their horizons.”
Oppy currently offers the fruit in 1 lb clamshells, with plans to expand its trials of red kiwifruit varieties in the future, employing new ways to optimize the expanding shelf space dedicated to the nutrient-dense fruit, as explained in a press release.
“We’re hearing lots of excitement from our retail partners. Customers are already very excited about the fruit, noting its appealing exterior, beautifully colorful interior, and delicious, berry-like taste,” added Woodyear-Smith.
The provider’s internal testing of the red kiwifruit uncovered very high brix levels and an enticing sweetness characterized by notes of strawberry. In 2020, as explained in the release, Oppy supplied over 30 percent of all kiwifruit available in the North American market according to U.S. Census Bureau Trade Data and Statistics Canada.
As the fresh supplier continues to put efforts in place to expand this rising category, AndNowUKnow will be here to report on the new buy-side opportunities that arise.
