VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA - Acquisitions are the fruit of life in the produce news world, and Oppy has made our writing lives even more exciting. The produce giant recently acquired a 65 percent stake in Eco Farms in order to build out its presence in the avocado category.
“We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to work with Eco Farms closely. They are a leading player in the avocado category and have a wealth of priceless expertise that they’ve gained over nearly 50 years of operation,” Oppy’s President and Chief Revenue Officer David Smith said. “The avocado category has seen substantial growth over the last 10 years, and is bouncing back from recent market variability as the new Mexican crop begins. Through this partnership we will complement Oppy’s existing avocado programs and will be able to drive the category forward by uniting the unique strengths and advantages of both businesses.”
According to a press release, the two companies will bring to market a new, holistic avocado offering that includes growing and importing premium avocados; ripening in convenient, strategic locations; flexible packaging options in a bright, new brand; as well as marketing, logistical, and other services. The Eco Farms brand has been updated to reflect the new partnership and deliver on the positioning line Green is Good™.
This new line, both companies went on to note, represents Eco Farms’ commitment to growing flavorful, high-quality fruit using sustainable practices. The Green is Good tagline conveys the nutrition properties of avocados.
“We’re confident that by working together we can truly accelerate our growth and bring both of our organizations to new heights,” stated Steve Taft, President and Founder, Eco Farms. “Thanks to Oppy’s extensive industry knowledge and connections we can expand at a speed and scale that otherwise would not have been possible, while they can tap into our decades of tried and trusted expertise in this robust category.”
By integrating with Eco Farms, the fresh produce powerhouse will offer organic and conventional avocados from diverse growing regions including Mexico, California, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. In addition to avocados, Oppy will ultimately market a wide range of citrus and select tropical items in tandem with Eco Farms.
How will both Oppy and Eco Farms’ 360-degree capabilities help this new partnership become an avocado knockout? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
