NEWARK, DE - If blueberries are what you’re searching for to fill your produce department, Oppy has what you seek. The grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh produce has added North Carolina as its latest growing region to strengthen its position as a year-round blueberry supplier.
“North Carolina is an excellent spot to expand our scope and provide an alternative to California blueberries,” said Tim Crane, Category Manager of Blueberries. “With a particularly long season window, it has the potential to be the most extensive deal on the East Coast. We expect a strong inaugural season. Our grower-partner is using state-of-the-art sorting and grading machinery but continuing to handpick, which will make for a superior-quality pack.”
Oppy’s customers in the eastern United States can anticipate North Carolina blueberries starting the last week of April or the first week of May, a release stated. They will be available in both conventional and organic and in a range of sizes, including jumbo. The blueberries will be packed under the Ocean Spray label in all preferred formats.
Well-recognized in the produce aisle, Ocean Spray bolsters 96 percent brand awareness across the grocery aisles, helping to boost sales.
The blueberry program will be overseen by Crane, who joined the Oppy team in mid-2022 with over 15 years of experience as a global produce buyer in the United States and the United Kingdom, and Aaron Quon, Executive Director of Berries and Canadian Category Development.
“I am excited to have made this transition and contribute to this growing category for Oppy and our customers,” said Quon, who added berries to his role at the start of the year after 15 years with Oppy.
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