VANCOUVER, B.C. — Thanks to solid relationships with proven Mexican grape growers, The Oppenheimer Group is entering its ninth season as a marketer of grapes from South of the Border with confidence.

Oppenheimer’s Mexican grapes are grown in Hermosillo at Agro Premier, La Florida, and Maria Alejandra, ranches that produce a full assortment of conventionally-grown grape varieties, as well as Agricola Sonorg, the company’s source for organic Flames. 2009 is the second year of Oppenheimer’s organic Mexican grape program.

“Retailers responded well to our organic fruit last season,” said Josh Leichter, the company’s grape category director. “We’re bringing in similar volumes this year, with an eye to recent research indicating that despite the economy, core organic shoppers remain committed to this sector. We can help our customers satisfy their appetite for sweet, juicy, high-quality grapes.”

The heart of Oppenheimer’s program, however, consists of conventional Red and Green Seedless grapes, with increased volumes of Black Seedless and Red Globes. The marketer’s total supply will be roughly on par with 2008, with the first shipments arriving in the second week of May, and the season winding down around the Fourth of July, Leichter said.

“Despite some uncertainty across the Mexican grape industry where volume forecasts are fluctuating, Oppenheimer can be counted on for steady supplies of preferred varieties, produced by Primus Labs certified growers,” said Leichter.

Mexican grapes round out Oppenheimer’s year-round program, harmonizing with fruit from Chile, California, Brazil and Peru.

Leichter commented that grape promotions drove incremental volume at retail during the winter, and ad activity could ramp back up again toward the end of the spring. 

All varieties in the program will be shipped in Oppenheimer-branded bags and boxes. Packaging options include standard zip or poly bags, and clamshell, tissue pack or other custom packaging, like RPCs and clamshells, available on special request.

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