The Oppenheimer Group plans to continue building the plum category with its second season of South African plums this year.
The opportunity for South African plums in the U.S. market emerged when U.S. authorities tightened 2021 Chilean plum import regulations following pest detection, according to a news release. Oppy advised its retail partners to substitute with fruit from South Africa where it had recently enlisted Sila Louw to manage its operations, the release said.
“Now in its second season, Oppy is more than doubling its volume,” Louw said in the release. “We’re also really thrilled to hold a 25% to 30% share of what’s coming into the North American market.”
Plums first arrived at the end of January and will continue to load through the first week of May, which will bring prominent varieties like ruby sun, black pearl, African delight and angeleno, and then introduce volumes of newcomers midnight gold, red phoenix, honey punch, flavor fall, fall fiesta and September yummy.
Louw said in the release that Oppy builds programs around particular varieties that can withstand the cold treatment protocol required by the USDA.
“There is much more to explore and develop in South Africa,” James Milne, senior vice president of categories and marketing, said in the release. “As consumers continue to demand global options and retailers look to new countries for alternatives and fresh items, Oppy will be there with exciting and contemporary offerings.”
Over time, the Oppy team looks toward expanding its portfolio and building upon nectarine trials from this season, the release said.
