Blueberry supply is strong in North America. “Georgia is well past its peak production, and the highbush varieties will be expiring next week,” says Tim Crane, OP’s blueberry category manager. “Next week we will load the new crop from North Carolina for the first time – a little later than expected, but the calendar has played in our favor. Especially with the long season window, this has the potential to be the largest in the East”. Crane says that, in the past, it has been difficult to get a year-round supply of blueberries on both coasts, so adding North Carolina helps solve this problem.
For the OP, blueberries are part of a larger program of four. Jamun Including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. As for blueberries, this includes conventional and organic blueberries as well. Jamun Jumbo, within the framework of an exclusive partnership with Ocean Spray, which continues to grow every year for Oppi.
The schedule for blueberry season is the same as last year. “The quality and potential have started very well. Jamun They’re obviously bigger and we’re starting to see some vibrant colors,” Crane says.
Other productive sectors
While Georgia wraps up production, North Carolina will continue to supply the East Coast through mid-July, and New Jersey will begin production in early June. On the West Coast, blueberries will arrive from Mexico through May, and California will have a strong season from June through late August. “This brings us right in time for our deals with Washington and British Columbia, where we expect a much stronger season than last year. Will supply,” says Crane. ,
As for demand, it’s strong on the East Coast, especially with domestic production available. “We are pleased to offer our partners retailers That’s exactly what they’re seeking with this new field,” Crane says.
When it comes to what consumers are looking for in blueberries, they continue to demand packaging solutions, and Crane says OP continually seeks sustainable alternatives for its products. In fact, it will soon join its ranks Jamun A heat-sealing option as part of its efforts to reduce plastic consumption.
Tim Crane claims Oppy is also in its third season Jamun Trouble
Stands out on the shelves
On its packaging, Oppi’s partnership with Ocean Spray also helps differentiate itself in the category, which is typically hampered by label contamination. Crane claims that, according to an independent study, the Ocean Spray brand is known to 96%.
Looking ahead, North Carolina will ramp up production over the next three weeks, with peak blueberry volumes throughout the month of June. In addition to the annual Blueberry Program, which provides Jamun San Joaquin Valley berries will begin production next month, from Chile, Mexico, Peru, Canada and the US. The offer is currently coming in from Mexico.
Oppi is also in his third season of Hascap. Hascap is a Berry Unique that is not traditionally known outside the farmers markets of Canada’s west coast. “It was only available to customers in the Vancouver metropolitan area in 2020, but it has caused quite a stir in North America as customers retailers National, regional chains and independents were eager to try it,” shares Crane. “We’re excited to expand this crop with our customer base.”
