VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA - It has been said before that two heads are better than one, and Oppy is further proving the sentiment as it formed a powerful new partnership across its operations. The grower announced that it brought together Katicich Ranch and Brookside, two cherry brands, to create Katco Packing. Through the new pairing, Oppy will further vertically integrate its operations.

“Oppy has a long history in the California cherry deal and, through this move, looks to streamline operations even further to grow our comprehensive offerings in line with demand,” Oppy’s Senior Vice President of Categories and Marketing James Milne said. “The move ultimately enables greater transparency, a deeper understanding of how the fruit is going to be looked after, as well as 360-degree logistical support backed by Oppy’s ‘expect the world from us’ promise.”

Katco Packing will be located in Stockton, California, and will create new operational efficiencies for Oppy. According to a press release, the company will use state-of-the-art Unitec optical sorting machinery, which will bring increased accuracy and speed to its boutique brands. Due to its well-established roots and reputation throughout the industry, Oppy will play a strategic role in the venture and remain involved with both partners.

“We’re incredibly excited with this new step forward as we look to realizing the many advantages of aligning even more closely with partners such as Oppy,” said Katicich Ranch’s General Manager Matt P. Katicich III. “As the cherry category continues to grow every year, there remains many more opportunities to tap into, which is what we hope to achieve with Katco Packing.”

Bringing together the expertise of both Katicich Ranch and Brookside, Katco Packing will offer high-grade Bing and Coral cherries from each label, with Brookside slated for domestic and international markets and Karicich brand targeting exports.

“We are already working incredibly closely with Oppy and Katicich Farms, so this was the next logical step to grow our business,” Greg Costa, Partner at Felix Costa & Sons explained. “The Brookside label is known for its premium, high-quality cherries at home and abroad, and by combining our strengths we can offer this great fruit to a wider range of customers while still maintaining the quality that we’re known for.”

In combination with Oppy’s Pacific Northwest cherry program operating under the Orchard View Cherry brand, Oppy will now offer cherries from May through August, providing suppliers with the stonefruit nine months out of the year, due in part to its import program as well.

Oppy noted that its investment in the new deal will lead to key involvement on an operational level, which will give retailers comprehensive support for the well-known cherry labels. Through this partnership, both brands will benefit from increased innovation and technology, which will help lower production costs while managing logistical challenges.

As Katco Packing takes off, what new growers will the brand join forces with to expand its operations? Here at AndNowUKnow we will keep our ears to the newswire for the latest.

Oppy