Oppy notes increasing demand for organic bell peppers

The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy) offers a big range of organics, including apples, pears, berries, ginger root, grapes, kiwi, avocados, cherries, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes, says senior sales representative Rachel Mehdi.

Peppers are a hot item for Oppy, she said.

“Of Oppy’s wide variety of organic offerings, we continue to see strong and steadily increasing demand for our organic bell pepper crop — which runs year-round from our partners Origin Organic Farms in British Columbia, Canada and Divemex with locations in Ahualulco, Etzatlán and Culiacán, Mexico,” Mehdi said. 

In addition, she said Oppy is continuing to strengthen its winter program on organic tomatoes and cucumbers out of Mexico to supply the domestic growing season out of British Columbia. 

Despite the pressures of inflation at retail, Mehdi said organic produce wins the favor of health-conscious consumers in the post-COVID era.

“While double-digit growth in the organic category has slowed down a bit, it’s still positive and steadily growing,” she said. “The best way for marketers and retailers to grow organic sales in an inflationary environment is to continue listening to consumers and understanding what they’re looking for at retail, especially this new segment of shoppers. As well as promote wherever possible to help organic shoppers stretch their dollars. 

Oppy aims to stay consistent in terms of volume and quality, with the aim to add value for the customer in any way possible, she said. 

More than ever, Mehdi said consumers need to be connected to their growers and understand the pressures they’re under to grow and deliver produce to their family table. 

“Telling their stories is key,” she said. 

Oppy works with its organic grower-partners to ensure the marketer is offering varieties that benefit the market and putting sustainability values at the forefront, she said.  Various growers for Oppy have certifications beyond organic, including Fair Trade, Fair for Life, Rainforest Alliance and regenerative agriculture.

 “Working with a wide variety of growers dedicated to sustainable growing practices that respect our soil, our water and our planet is a priority of Oppy’s and necessary to protect the well-being and resources of future generations,” Mehdi said.  “These also happen to be some of the most fulfilling stories to tell consumers.”