Strategic partnerships with Southern Hemisphere growers enable seamless transition from Washington crop, supporting rising consumer demand for the premium apple variety
Oppy has said that it will import Envy apples from New Zealand, then Chile and South Africa in the coming weeks,
The group said that its global apple programme ”continues to deliver the industry’s most sought-after varieties with uninterrupted supply alongside exceptional quality, flavour and crunch”.
In welcoming a fresh crop of Envy apples from the Southern Hemisphere, Oppy said it ensures a “seamless transition” from the Washington season.
“Strategic alignment with our international partners has enabled us to execute a smooth and efficient transition between growing regions,” said director of apples and pears Roger Aguirre.
“Oppy has marketed New Zealand products since the 1950s,” he noted. ”These decades of connectedness have positioned us as a trusted bridge to the Kiwi nation’s premium pipfruit in the North American market.”
Following wrap-up of the Washington crop, Oppy’s import programme will start from New Zealand the beginning of August, bringing apples into key distribution hubs on the coasts of both the US and Canada.
According to the group, quality is ”strong across all origins”, with Chile peaking on larger sizes and South Africa offering smaller fruit.
“The transition this year has been especially smooth,” said executive director of apples, pears and category development Piers Hanbury.
”From growing conditions to logistics, the Southern Hemisphere crop positions us to keep pace with growing demand.
”Envy continues to outperform other proprietary varieties, and we’re well prepared to support retail programs all summer long,” he commented.
Demand for Envy continues to rise, Oppy said, with two in five Envy shoppers being new to the variety within the past 52 weeks.
Consumers are highly engaged, spending 1.8 times more than the average apple shopper, and loyal, with units per trip ranking second among all branded apples, it said.
“Everything is in place to ensure no gaps in availability, providing our retail partners with consistent supply and shoppers with the crisp, sweet Envy experience they expect,” Hanbury explained.
“Our year-round programme is built on the foundation of delivering the very best eating experience, and it’s what our retail partners can continue to count on from Oppy,” Aguirre added.
