Oppy-Eco Farms avocado network grows

Oppy-Eco Farms has announced with Avoworks bolstering its avocado supply for US market

Avoworks is a recently formed consortium featuring Michoacán grower-packers Adeac, AvoHit and La Viña and featuring a ripening centre in McAllen, Texas. It began shipping through the Oppy-Eco Farms network in late March.

Rodrigo Lopez, avocado category director of Oppy was excited that Avoworks chose Oppy and Eco Farms to build its US sales.

“Between the producers that make up Avoworks, we now have the capacity to grow and pack very significant volumes of avocados for the market,” said Lopez.

“While Oppy’s avocado category has grown strategically after acquiring a controlling interest in Eco Farms, we recognise the potential that comes with even greater, constantly reliable supply.”

AvoWorks manager Pedro Somarriba said the model offered a distinct advantage over the industry’s typical, more transactional supply approach.

“Together we’re bringing forward a vertically integrated solution — centred in continuity and integrity of supply — provided by a trio of esteemed producers, and channeled through Oppy’s sales and marketing structure,” said Somarriba.

“We are positioned to participate in significant retail programs while consistently meeting the needs of customers large and small.” 

Somarriba noted that the fruit marketed by the partnership will be co-branded as Avoworks and Eco Farms, to distinguish its quality at the trade level. He also looked forward to collaborating with Oppy on innovations that add value at retail. 

AvoHit’s brand new state-of-the-art packing facility, which opened in February 2022 is also set to bolster the partnership.

“Avocado demand shows no sign of waning, nor does the opportunity to capture the valuable sales dollars they drive at retail, so consistent supply is critical,” said Oppy’s Mark Smith, who directs sales and strategy for the Oppy-Eco Farms initiative.

“By adding AvoWorks to our grower network, we can smooth out some of the volume dynamics that can affect the flow of Mexican avocados into the market.