VANCOUVER, CANADA - Summer is officially in full swing and to keep cool, there are two things blue that I will be completely indulging in—the crisp breeze of the blue ocean and the refreshing taste of blueberries! Jason Fung, Vice President of Oppy’s Berry Category had a moment to fill me in on the market response for blueberries. He noted that for the conventional and organic blueberries, demand has been high!

“We started with California berries a few weeks ago and we’re currently shipping from New Jersey, California, and Oregon, and will begin harvesting in the Pacific Northwest, Washington, and British Columbia, in early July,” Jason said. “We expect volumes to ramp up in the coming weeks.”

Jason stated Oppy has been very happy with the blueberry quality this season and the company has been able to deliver thus far.

“Notably, very quickly in the last 12 months, we’ve built a virtually year-round organic blueberry program,” he noted.

Oppy’s berries represent a select range of varieties that optimize the eating experience through the season and the year. By growing with excellent partners, the blueberries it packs in the Ocean Spray brand promise high quality and flavor.

In keeping with volume expectations, Oppy is planning promotions starting the second week in July, and encouraging its customers to bring blueberries into their promotions throughout the summer and for back-to-school.

Jason explained one characteristic that sets Oppy’s berries apart the most is the Ocean Spray brand itself.

“Alongside Ocean Spray strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, our Ocean Spray blueberry program enables our customers to offer a wide range of quality berries with a consistent label and a brand their shoppers trust,” he said. “Recent market research involving about 500 consumers indicates that the Ocean Spray berry brand is familiar and well-liked, with nearly 70 percent awareness and three in five Ocean Spray fresh berry purchasers having an extremely or very favorable opinion of the brand. Ocean Spray berries also received high marks for having just the right ripeness, good berry color, firmness, and overall appearance.”

With respect to purchase intent, Jason also mentioned the Ocean Spray fresh berries brand was favored by 52 percent of respondents who stated they would consider Ocean Spray for their next berry purchase.

Oppy offers organic and conventional blueberries in Ocean Spray branded 6-oz., pint, 18-oz., and 2-pound packs. Oppy is the exclusive supplier of Ocean Spray blueberries—as well as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries.

For more updates on the blueberry season, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

Oppy