Oppy transitions to California cherries

After handling imported cherries from Argentina and Chile, The Oppenheimer Group will soon transition to California cherries.

“We’re looking toward a great domestic season from California, up through Oregon and ending in British Columbia,” said Jon Bailey, lead of Oppy’s cherry category.

In Oregon, he noted that Oppy is celebrating its 100th anniversary with Orchard View cherries in The Dalles, Ore.

While Oppy also has a long history in the California cherry deal, the marketer strengthened its position in 2021 when it brought together two top cherry brands, Katicich Ranch and Brookside, to form Katco Packing in Stockton, Calif. Bailey said the label is known for its premium, high-quality cherries for domestic and export markets.

Starting up

With harvest running about two weeks late, Bailey said Oppy anticipates a California cherry start date around the second week of May, with peak volumes between May 20 to June 10. Bing and coral are important varieties for the marketer, he said.

“I predict that coral will continue to grow in demand and may be the primary variety in California in the coming years,” he said.

Oppy’s California cherry deal will end around June 20, just in time to overlap with the start of the Pacific Northwest cherry crop. Bailey said the marketer's 2023 California cherry crop should see a big increase over the short 2022 crop, which was hurt by frost damage and poor pollination, he said.

“We’re hopeful for a big crop this year,” he said.

Retail support

With California cherry season just around the corner, retailers can strategize ways to trigger impulse purchases, he said.

“End aisle displays seem to work best as they have the best visibility for shoppers,” Bailey said. “In-store promotion is key as cherries are not typically on everyone’s shopping list and continue to be an impulse purchase; we hope that consumers continue see cherries as that truly seasonal item to treat themselves to when they see them at retail.”

Though online grocery shopping has slowed down as the country has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey said it is still important for retailers to highlight to consumers when cherries are in-season and available on their platforms.

Bailey said cherries still inspire retailers.

“Each year I’m thrilled that retailers continue to increase their interest in the cherry category and are eager to promote, especially with the rollercoaster we’ve been on the past three years between COVID-19 and varying consumer habits,” he said. “I’m hopeful yet cautious of what the 2023 season will bring.”

For packaging, Bailey said Oppy offers 2-pound top-seal options for its retail customers, along with its high-graphic pouch bags.