Oppy expects a strong-quality apple crop
Oppy expects a good-quality season for its proprietary apples, says Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears.
Alongside brand owner T&G Global, Oppy grows, markets and distributes organic and conventional Envy, Jazz and Pacific Rose apples in both northern and southern Washington regions, he said.
“We are so proud to be so well-aligned with the brand owner T&G. With a robust, year-round marketing plan, we’re hitting all major holidays,” he said, noting upcoming promotions, such as the Halloween-inspired "It’s BOO time!’ with Jazz and holiday-themed opportunities with Envy.
Quality is expected to be good this year, and Oppy will feature double-digit growth of the Envy organic crop.
“We have double-digit growth in organic Envy out of Washington this year,” Aguirre said. “With retailers dedicating more shelf space to organic, we’re ready to participate.”
Arriving late
Similar to the delays the industry has seen with Washington stone fruit, some apple varieties were expected to be three weeks later than normal due to the cold, wet spring, Aguirre said. However, by September, the crop timing was closer to normal.
“While there have been some very hot summer days, it wasn’t as extreme as we’ve seen in previous years, and we’ve also been very fortunate to have been spared forest fires or smoke,” he said. “As of now, our crop is only about five to 10 days behind a typical season.”
Crop estimates are still being determined, but Aguirre said Envy from Oppy should run until July, while Jazz will be available until the 2023 harvest.
The majority of Pacific Rose is exported, and that variety should finish by February.
From 100s, 113s and 130s, smaller fruit sizes for Oppy’s three varieties are available than in a typical year. Even so, Oppy will have a good range of sizes available, Aguirre said.
In terms of packaging, Aguirre says Oppy has every industrywide pack available, including pouch bags, poly bags, clamshells, boxes and more.
“While we consistently look for more sustainable, consumer-friendly options, we are strategic about the packaging we implement,” he said. “With rising costs, packaging can make or break a season, which is why we’re intentional about the packs we launch."
