VANCOUVER, B.C. - Oppy has acquired a 65% stake in Eco Farms, a leading avocado grower since 1972 and the first to grow and market organic avocados in the United States.
The move is the latest in a series of acquisitions and strategies aimed at strengthening Oppy’s key role as a premier grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world, the company said.
The companies will bring to market a new, holistic avocado offering that includes growing and importing premium avocados, ripening in convenient, strategic locations and flexible packaging options in a bright, new brand, as well as marketing, logistical and other services.
“Eco Farms is a leading player in the avocado category and has a wealth of priceless expertise that they’ve gained over nearly 50 years of operation,” said David Smith, president and chief revenue officer of Oppy. “The avocado category has seen substantial growth over the last 10 years and is bouncing back from recent market variability as the new Mexican crop begins. Through this partnership we will complement Oppy’s existing avocado programs and will be able to drive the category forward by uniting the unique strengths and advantages of both businesses.”
By integrating with Eco Farms, Oppy will offer high-quality organic and conventional avocados from diverse growing regions including Mexico, California, Chile, Colombia and Peru packaged in a fresh new look. The Eco Farms brand has been toned up to reflect the new partnership and deliver on the positioning line Green is Good. The line represents Eco Farms’ commitment to growing flavorful, high-quality fruit using sustainable practices.
In addition to avocados, Oppy will ultimately market a wide range of citrus and select tropical items in tandem with Eco Farms.