VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - Innovation paves the way for new success in the industry, with each advancement bolstering the fresh produce sector as a whole. Harnessing the might of leading solutions providers, Oppy is taking the necessary steps to fortify the grape category as it optimizes several key partnerships to drive category innovation.

“We are precise and strategic in the opportunities we take on,” said Garland Perkins, Senior Manager of Insights and Innovation. “They won’t all be successes, that’s just the nature of innovation. [This] is why we are intentional in what we pursue, only investing in solutions that have a likelihood of high ROI with a keen focus on improving products, creating efficiencies, and mitigating issues.”

Oppy has made significant headway in its California grape vineyards with the help of three industry innovators. According to a press release, ongoing trials with Bloomfield Robotics forecast and manage yield through its deep learning AI and ground-based image capture that detects and measures phenotypes automatically, and previous trials with Vinergy showed signs of decreased labor costs by utilizing its harvest cart, which enables a higher capacity and more secure trek. In fall 2021, a new trial will test Vinergy’s latest technology, an autonomous version of the original harvest cart.

“Those advances in yield forecasting, labor efficiency, and shelf-life extension only add to the consistency of supply in the Ocean Spray^® label, Oppy’s primary grape brand,” said Marc Serpa, Sales Manager and Director of Domestic Grapes. “Having shipped our first pack of grapes in the iconic Ocean Spray brand just last year to announcing our 12-month program at the beginning of 2021 really shows how Oppy is adding value to the category.”

In addition to these tech savants, Oppy is also teaming up with Hazel Technologies to enable greener and more turgid stems with less presence of shriveled grapes and maintain enhanced storage life during transit and warehouse conditions with its Hazel 100^™ grape sachets.

“It is a very progressive category,” Serpa added. “We’re always looking for opportunities to ensure that our grapes have distinct characteristics like enhanced flavor, consistency, ease of production, and shelf life for our retailers. That’s why pursuing these innovative solutions, working with all major varietal development pioneers, and having year-round availability is essential to growing into the next stage of our business and why Oppy is the ideal grape shipper for retail partners looking for a one-stop shop.”

Oppy provides grapes year-round from its Peru, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and California growing regions.

How will the category continue to grow as Oppy explores more game-changing fresh produce innovations? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.

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