Sun Grape California starts season with new packaging

July 24, 2025 Visalia, CALIFORNIA — The California grape season is off to a strong start for Sun Grape California, LLC BB #:404375 — an Oppy Company BB #:116424, with good volume, new sustainable packaging and a continued commitment to quality and growth.

Following a smooth and well-managed Mexican season, Sun Grape anticipates a strong California harvest running from July through December. Up to 15 premium grape varieties will be available, packed under the Dole, Ocean Spray and Sun Grape brands, along with custom private label options.

In line with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company is also introducing a new eco-friendly packaging option this season — designed to meet the evolving expectations of both consumers and retailers.

Oppy’s Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos shared, “Sun Grape is debuting a new MDOPE (Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene) grape bag. This next-generation packaging solution reduces the use of traditional plastics by utilizing a recyclable, mono-material film that offers both environmental and performance benefits.”

The MDOPE bags passed rigorous shelf-life tests in cool storage, demonstrating excellent durability, breathability and product protection — ensuring grapes arrive fresh while helping reduce its overall carbon footprint. This package reflects Sun Grape’s broader commitment to responsible innovation and supporting retail partners in meeting their sustainability goals.

“This year marks another exciting step forward for our team and our customers,” said Sammy Cacciatore, president of Sun Grape California LLC. “With quality at the forefront, we’re delivering a broad range of varieties and packaging solutions, backed by a service model that allows us to move quickly and efficiently to meet market demands.”

Formed in 2024, the joint venture brings together the growing expertise of a multi-generational California farming family with Oppy’s extensive marketing and distribution capabilities. As a fully vertically integrated grower-packer-shipper, Sun Grape is uniquely positioned to provide consistent supply, flexible service, and the high standards of excellence the market demands.

“Sun Grape represents what’s next in table grapes — an agile, quality-driven business with deep roots and future-focused ambition. We’re continuing to invest heavily, with up to 1,000 acres of new development planned over the next three years and a pipeline of new desirable varieties to meet changing consumer preferences,” said Piers Hanbury, executive director of category development at Oppy.

For more information, please visit the company’s website here.

About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.