VANCOUVER, CANADA - The Oppenheimer Group has teamed up with the Camarillo, CA-based Hasegawa family on what it has called a historic partnership.

“Together, we’re vertically integrated from the field to the market, resulting in a distinct advantage for our customers,” said John Anderson, Oppy’s Chairman, President, and CEO. “This unique connectivity across the growing and marketing processes enables us to deliver berries—and provide service—that consistently exceeds expectations.”

The new venture not only provides the trade with a fresh year-round strawberry option, but marks a new era for the fresh produce marketer and distributor, as well as the third-generation grower, according to a press release.

“The joint venture creates a whole new level of integration both for Oppy and the Hasegawa family,” said Chad Ianneo, General Manager of Rincon Fresh, the Hasegawa family’s berry label. He explained that it is a new business model for both entities. “We’re evolving together in a very positive way, each gaining from the strengths of the other, to the ultimate benefit of our customers—and consumers everywhere who enjoy great tasting strawberries.”

Ianneo added, “We’re excited by the strategic synergies we have with Oppy,” said Ianneo. “Oppy’s technology and logistics expertise, along with a strong presence in the trade, integrate our berries with an established supply chain and proven marketing disciplines.”

Oppy began shipping strawberries grown by the Hasegawas earlier this month, and will serve as the sales and marketing arm. The family’s former marketers of the Rincon Fresh, four expert berry sales members, will operate from new Oppy sales offices in Oxnard and Santa Maria to help ensure a smooth transition.

Anderson commented that this latest move complements the company’s Salinas and Mexico strawberry offerings, a portfolio that includes imported and exported:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Ocean Spray fresh cranberries

“We are impressed by the Hasegawas’ commitment to growing the best possible berries,” Anderson concluded. “Together, we’ll bring the market a beautiful strawberry that consistently delivers on flavor and quality, with an eye to future innovations in variety, pack styles and more.”

Both sides of the partnership are currently fine-tuning plans for some high-impact berry marketing and branding initiatives, due for early 2017.

Oppy Rincon Fresh