Oppy cherries make holidays merry
VANCOUVER, BC ― Cherries have made the Oppenheimer Group’s list of top items to promote over the upcoming holiday season, joining the traditional favorites Ocean Spray fresh cranberries and Japanese mandarins. With their festive red color and resemblance to holiday ornaments, winter cherries just might become a new tradition for many.
Import cherries are more plentiful than ever, said Evan Myers, Oppy’s executive category director, South American imports, noting that the increased cherry plantings in Chile and Argentina could mean the tradition is here to stay.
“We’re recommending cherries for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s promotions,” he said. “While most people see cherries as a summer item, they are even more of a special treat during the fall and winter months.”
Oppy’s first Chilean cherries of the season arrived during the last week in October, ten days earlier than in 2013. Its Argentine cherry program begins in late November. Oppy cherries should be available at least through the third week in January.
“Our cherries are packed in the popular, eye-catching stand-up pouch bags,” Myers said. “They are a perfect impulse purchase and can be easily merchandised as a convenient, distinctive item to bring to holiday gatherings or just enjoy during this busy time of year.”
As well, Oppy plans to market Argentine cherries in Cookie Monster themed packaging as part of the Sesame Street eat brighter! program when the fruit becomes available later this month.
The Oppenheimer Group complements its import cherry program with fruit grown by Orchard View Farms of The Dalles, Ore., during the summer.
