Oppy and Orchard View Cherries are counting down the days to their fast-paced, seven-week cherry harvest come summer.
With a seamless transition from its California crop, the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world anticipates an exceptional yield in the Orchard View label for 2021 — marking its dozenth season together. Harvest is expected to begin the second week of June, with peak availability at the end of the month, just in time for Fourth of July celebrations.
Left: Orchard View cherries come in a bag (seen here) as well as clamshells and top-seal packs; right: sunrise view of a cherry orchard.
“We’ve had nice weather for phenomenal size and quality. The trees are looking really healthy with deep green and shiny leaves. It’s so important they look happy at this stage to take good care of our cherries,” said Orchard View president Brenda Thomas, fourth generation of the family-owned-and-operated business. “It’s looking to be a consistent and evenly spread crop. With some warmer weather on its way, it will give the cherries a chance to develop good sugars that will be enjoyed in the coming weeks.”
Upgrading its Unitec optical sorting line to the Cherry Vision 3.0 this year, more precision, consistency and overall quality will be included in this season’s packs. Oppy offers the label in bags, clamshells and for the second season, in a top-seal pack.
“Orchard View has firmly established itself as one of the top cherry brands worldwide, with its stature growing each year. The feedback from North American consumers, let alone the domestic retail trade and international markets, has been nothing short of astonishing. It exemplifies all the hard work Brenda and her team have put into growing and grading their cherries,” said James Milne, Oppy’s senior vice-president of categories and marketing.
Left: Orchard View's Brenda Thomas; right: James Milne of Oppy.
Initially launching the brand’s “Pick Your Moments” positioning five years ago, the message highlights the importance of savoring those special moments in life. An idea that has resonated with consumers in different ways through the years--especially in 2020 when Thomas was warmed by the opportunity to provide such a simple pleasure during a difficult time--the message will have new meaning this summer.
Oppy also recently expanded its imported stone fruit program from Chile, Argentina and New Zealand, doubling volumes to cater to increasing market demand. With nearly year-round availability, cherry offerings now reach May through January.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel: +1 (604) 461-6779
kelsey.van.lissum@oppy.com
www.oppy.com