An easy transition from Mexican greenhouses
While there are still some peppers in the market from Mexican greenhouse operations, the Oppenheimer Group can seamlessly transition interested consumers from their Mexican pepper producer, Divemex, to Untied States and Canadian supplies in the summer market. “We anticipate steady supplies and related demand for both organic and conventional peppers in the weeks ahead,” adds Quon.
Organic peppers popular on Westcoast
Oppy delivers an organic program through its partnership with Origin Organic Farms which includes organic peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes sold under the OriginO brand. “This brand has proven very popular locally in BC and throughout the U.S. West Coast,” states Quon, “our conventional pepper production is sold both in western Canada and nationally in the U.S.”
Sunselect's large, year-round Californian greenhouse
Two key regions for greenhouse crops in Canada are Leamington, Ontario and British Columbia’s lower mainland. These areas are the prime providers of greenhouse grown peppers from spring to mid-autumn. Oppy’s North American organic and conventional growers, SunSelect and OriginO are based in British Columbia. “SunSelect also has a 32 acre greenhouse facility in California, making it the only large scale year-round greenhouse sweet bell grower in the U.S., so its peppers are very appealing to this important local market,” adds Quon.
Fair Trade Certified grower
SunSelect is also the only Fair Trade Certified grower in the United States or Canada. Along with local labor, many workers travel from Guatemala to SunSelect each year, and the premiums earned by its Fair Trade peppers are earmarked for projects in their home communities.
Greenhouse peppers becoming more popular
Demand for greenhouse peppers varies regionally; however, greenhouse peppers are becoming more popular with consumption consistent throughout all demographics. “Many consumers prefer vegetables produced in greenhouses because they are grown in a protected environment, free of many inputs that may affect their field grown counterparts,” states Quon.
For more information please contact:
Karin Gardener
Marking Communications Manager
The Oppenheimer Group
Tel: 206.499.7440
www.oppy.com