CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - After eight years, Oppy became one of the first to load South African plums headed for North America in 2022. Now, the grower, marketer, and distributor has unveiled plans to continue expanding the category with a second season.

“There is much more to explore and develop in South Africa. As consumers continue to demand global options and retailers look to new countries for alternatives and fresh items, Oppy will be there with exciting and contemporary offerings,” said Senior Vice President of Categories and Marketing James Milne.

This exciting opportunity came to be when United States authorities tightened 2021 Chilean plum import regulations due to pest detection, a release explained. Oppy then advised its retail partners to substitute the fruit with plums from South Africa, where the company had recently tapped Sila Louw to manage its operations.

Plums made their first appearance at the end of January and will continue to load through the first week of May. This will bring prominent varieties like Ruby Sun, Black Pearl, African Delight, and Angeleno and will also introduce volumes of newly arrived varieties, including Midnight Gold, Red Phoenix, Honey Punch, Flavor Fall, Fall Fiesta, and September Yummy.

“Now in its second season, Oppy is more than doubling its volume,” said Louw. “We’re also really thrilled to hold a 25–30 percent share of what’s coming into the North American market.”

Oppy builds programs around particular varieties that can withstand the cold treatment protocol required by the USDA. In the immediate future, the team is looking to expand its portfolio and build upon nectarine trials from this season.

To see how this South African plum season develops, AndNowUKnow is the place for updates.

Oppy