Grower expansion strengthens Oppenheimer pepper program
Grower expansion strengthens Oppenheimer pepper program
Within the next few months, the Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer Group will gain additional greenhouse pepper distribution as the result of increased volume from Divemex.
Divemex, the produce marketer's Mexican pepper grower, has more than doubled the size of its Etzatlan facility, planting over 36 new acres under glass since early 2005. Divemex Chief Executive Officer Luis de Saracho said that he anticipates this winter's yield to surpass the 2004-05 crop by roughly 60 percent.
"By adding production in Etzatlan, we can begin our harvest two months earlier," Mr. de Saracho said.
"We began harvesting in early October, and we'll continue with strong supplies through June. This will help Oppenheimer assure steady volumes of red, yellow and orange bell peppers throughout the year," he said.
Oppenheimer markets Canadian greenhouse products during the spring and summer, switching to Mexico as its main source during the autumn and winter.
"Climate conditions in Etzatlan are very favorable for bell pepper production," Mr. de Saracho continued.
"This enables us to start our production not only earlier than others, but also allows us to deliver the best quality and good volume. When the Canadian growers reach their final stage, we enter the market with new crop."
The 2005-06 season marks the third year of Divemex's partnership with Oppenheimer.
"We value the opportunity to further collaborate with this quality producer, who is growing its business in partnership with us," said Mike Reed, Oppenheimer's greenhouse category director. "Together, we can offer consistent quality and supply to our customer base."
Mr. Reed went on to say, "The expansion at Divemex gives us more depth so we can execute stronger pepper programs and a wider range of consumer-friendly packs."
Other upgrades and expansions in Etzatlan include a new packing machine that automatically fills the cartons with product. While technology such as this is often seen on pepper packinglines in Canada and the Netherlands, Divemex is the first producer in Mexico to implement it, according to Mr. de Saracho.
In its Culiacan facility, Divemex grows cucumbers and sweet baby bell peppers in addition to full-size bells, packing all its products under the "Oppenheimer" brand.
"Divemex shares Oppenheimer's innovative philosophy and helps us serve the market by embracing new products and packs," Mr. Reed said. "We've had great results with our Canada-grown tri-color sweet baby bell pepper program, so Divemex agreed to produce this variety as well. We'll continue to supply customers who built up a strong consumer following with the baby bells and perhaps bring some new accounts on board. We're also focusing on our three-pack of assorted bell peppers."
Retailers can expect excellent product quality and flavor from Oppenheimer and Divemex this season, according to Mr. Reed.
"Divemex's detailed food-safety programs have led to higher grading and packing standards and an overall consistent pack for bulk and value-added SKUs," he said.
"At Divemex, we pay very close attention to every detail throughout production and harvest," Mr. de Saracho said. "We review our techniques, raw material, every element that will compose our crop so that when we start planting, we can be sure we will have the best to work with. We keep monitoring, with the closest attention, every step from then on, taking good care of even the smallest details in the production process."
Divemex, the produce marketer's Mexican pepper grower, has more than doubled the size of its Etzatlan facility, planting over 36 new acres under glass since early 2005. Divemex Chief Executive Officer Luis de Saracho said that he anticipates this winter's yield to surpass the 2004-05 crop by roughly 60 percent.
"By adding production in Etzatlan, we can begin our harvest two months earlier," Mr. de Saracho said.
"We began harvesting in early October, and we'll continue with strong supplies through June. This will help Oppenheimer assure steady volumes of red, yellow and orange bell peppers throughout the year," he said.
Oppenheimer markets Canadian greenhouse products during the spring and summer, switching to Mexico as its main source during the autumn and winter.
"Climate conditions in Etzatlan are very favorable for bell pepper production," Mr. de Saracho continued.
"This enables us to start our production not only earlier than others, but also allows us to deliver the best quality and good volume. When the Canadian growers reach their final stage, we enter the market with new crop."
The 2005-06 season marks the third year of Divemex's partnership with Oppenheimer.
"We value the opportunity to further collaborate with this quality producer, who is growing its business in partnership with us," said Mike Reed, Oppenheimer's greenhouse category director. "Together, we can offer consistent quality and supply to our customer base."
Mr. Reed went on to say, "The expansion at Divemex gives us more depth so we can execute stronger pepper programs and a wider range of consumer-friendly packs."
Other upgrades and expansions in Etzatlan include a new packing machine that automatically fills the cartons with product. While technology such as this is often seen on pepper packinglines in Canada and the Netherlands, Divemex is the first producer in Mexico to implement it, according to Mr. de Saracho.
In its Culiacan facility, Divemex grows cucumbers and sweet baby bell peppers in addition to full-size bells, packing all its products under the "Oppenheimer" brand.
"Divemex shares Oppenheimer's innovative philosophy and helps us serve the market by embracing new products and packs," Mr. Reed said. "We've had great results with our Canada-grown tri-color sweet baby bell pepper program, so Divemex agreed to produce this variety as well. We'll continue to supply customers who built up a strong consumer following with the baby bells and perhaps bring some new accounts on board. We're also focusing on our three-pack of assorted bell peppers."
Retailers can expect excellent product quality and flavor from Oppenheimer and Divemex this season, according to Mr. Reed.
"Divemex's detailed food-safety programs have led to higher grading and packing standards and an overall consistent pack for bulk and value-added SKUs," he said.
"At Divemex, we pay very close attention to every detail throughout production and harvest," Mr. de Saracho said. "We review our techniques, raw material, every element that will compose our crop so that when we start planting, we can be sure we will have the best to work with. We keep monitoring, with the closest attention, every step from then on, taking good care of even the smallest details in the production process."
