Oppy and Sun Grape USA form strategic joint venture

Oppy has joined forces with table grape owner, grower, packer and shipper Sun Grape USA to establish Sun Grape California LLC – An Oppy Company.

Oppy’s president and chief operating officer David Smith said that the joint venture had been developed to ”redefine excellence in the category” by consolidating and securing a consistent supply of high-quality grapes.

“We have aspired to become California grape growers for a very long time, and we proudly announce the fruition of that dream through our partnership with Sun Grape,” he said.

“The exceptional quality and excellence displayed in their farming operations deeply resonate with our values, making this a synergistic collaboration,” Smith noted. ”Together we embark on a journey that not only celebrates the art of grape cultivation but reflects our shared commitment to delivering the finest produce.”

The collaboration aims to create a ”unique solution” for the market, blending a multinational reach with extensive experience, the groups stated.

It positioned Oppy to ”significantly complement” its offerings with California table grapes, and enabled Sun Grape to expand its distribution.

“When we decided we were ready to expand, we weren’t going to partner with just anyone, we were looking for a collaboration that would help us realise our goals to expand in the US market,” said Sammy Cacciatore, owner and president of Sun Grape USA.

”Our family has known Oppy for over 50 years, so there’s been a long-standing relationship from the beginning. It all just seemed to come together so organically, we recognised what a natural fit it was for both companies.”

Introducing new acreage from San Joaquin Valley in mid-2023, Oppy will expand its year-round reach from Peru, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Mexico, with Sun Grape’s nearly 1,500 acres of land in California.

The new entity will represent a significant portion of the Californian table grape industry and service the market as a major vertically integrated supplier, with Cacciatore as president of operations.

The team will begin working together on the Mexican season, while Sun Grape California LLC — An Oppy Company will officially begin shipping products to market in early July from their new cold storage facility and offices in Delano.