Both Oppy and Orchard View are rejoicing in more ways than one as another fast-paced, top-quality season got underway—which includes raising a glass to their decade-long union.
“We are very proud to be celebrating our 10th year as the exclusive marketer of Orchard View cherries,” said James Milne, vice president of marketing, categories and business development at Oppy. “We’ve established a strong partnership and it’s been a great fit because their season is only an eight-week window, they can capitalize on Oppy’s 52-week presence of meeting the top retailers in North America.”
With over 3,400 acres in The Dalles, Oregon, Orchard View’s dedicated focus is cherries. “We choose the best varieties for the time and place,” said Brenda Thomas, Orchard View’s president. “Last year we installed new equipment to fine-tune the packing line. Furthermore, our focus during the past 12 months has been enhancing our efficiency, volume and quality in the orchard.”
Orchard View predicts around 1.3 million boxes of cherries this year and are preparing for more growth in the future, despite the Northwest’s production being curtailed by fruit drop. This season will peak in late June through the third week in July.
“Our team is looking to opportunities in July,” Milne said. “We’re encouraging retailers to maintain the momentum beyond Canada Day and Independence Day holiday ads. We expect cherries to be in high demand for these long-weekend celebrations given the reduction of volume available from California.
“Orchard View has always been known for growing varieties that have excellent quality for long distance export markets. We’re looking really forward to feedback from retailers in Canada and the U.S. to the quality and size that these varieties bring on the domestic market,” he continued. “We will also start to see production of exciting new cherry varieties that will ramp up over the next five years.”
“I look forward to sharing the ‘Pick your moments’ message with retailers and consumers again in stores this summer and to do so with Oppy by our side for the 10th year running,” Thomas said.
