Happy Berry™ hydroponic strawberries, first launched in late 2021, are entering the spring season with a refreshed look that highlights their naturally sweet flavor and the sustainable way they are produced.
Grown in high tunnel facilities in Santa Maria, California, Happy Berry strawberries receive precise nutrition while dramatically reducing water usage, thanks to a seamless trough system with optimized irrigation and water reclamation. Because they're cultivated on raised tables that make planting, tending, and harvesting more ergonomic for farmworkers, these berries don't require intense fumigation between planting cycles like field-grown strawberries do. This carefully controlled environment also leads to an exceptionally sweet eating experience.
© Oppy
"We are always looking for ways to improve and grow more sustainably," said executive director of berries and Canadian category development Aaron Quon. "From the beginning, Happy Berry has been a memorable and positive brand, well-suited to a hydroponically-grown item. We soon discovered that while consumers do care deeply about sustainability, hydroponics still aren't very well known. Our research has shown that sweetness is the number one driver of their strawberry purchase decisions."
Consequently, hydroponic growing naturally supports this by producing a significantly sweeter berry, which enabled the company to pivot its messaging — emphasizing the flavor of the fruit while still communicating the benefits of this method.
© OppyL-R: Aaron Quon, Dean Barbis.
The label now features simplified messaging that amplifies flavor alongside key hydroponic attributes to educate consumers such as less water, less land, fewer sprays, and less impact.
"The crop looks fantastic. Heavy volumes are expected through April, May, and June, providing ample supply for retailers and consumers, with promotions available for Easter and Mother's Day," said category director of berries Dean Barbis.
© OppyHeavy volumes are expected through April, May, and June.
Happy Berry strawberries are available in 1 lb, 2 lb, and 12 oz packaging and are backed by the Ocean Spray brand.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel.: +1 (604) 461-6779
kelsey.van.lissum@oppy.com
www.oppy.com