After 160 years of supplying fresh fruits and vegetables, we're still hungry.

While Oppy was founded in 1858, our mission to bring fresh global produce home continues to be as relevant, challenging and exciting as it's been throughout our history.

Scroll

We’re on a lifelong mission to expand year-round availability of fresh produce.

Marketing

Bringing fresh global produce home.

Do you remember when red, green and golden were your only apple options?

Explore our variety timeline.

1858

In 1858, Charles Oppenheimer makes his way north from California toward the “new El Dorado” as the Frasier River became known. Charles establishes a provisions store in Victoria, British Columbia to outfit the prospectors heading up into the interior searching for gold. A year later, his brothers Godfrey, Isaac and David join him and open a branch of Oppenheimer Bros. & Co. in Fort Yale. Not long afterward, a third location was opened in Barkerville to supply those heading to the Cariboo gold rush.

Over the next 20 years, the brothers establish themselves as business and community leaders. In 1887, they open Vancouver’s first brick building, a wholesale grocery warehouse. That same year, David Oppenheimer becomes the city’s second mayor.

1891

The first Japanese oranges arrive in Vancouver.

1897

The Oppenheimer brothers outfit prospectors in the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, selling everything from mittens to candles to cigars.

1911

David Oppenheimer’s contributions to the city of Vancouver were memorialized with a statue in Stanley Park.

1930

Oppenheimer begins partnership with BC Tree Fruits, sells apples and stone fruit.

1950s

Oppenheimer markets vegetables grown in Vancouver Island greenhouses. Late in the decade, tomatoes were selling in stores at 19 cents per pound.

1956

We introduce North Americans to Granny Smith apples. They sold at a promotional price of 2 pounds for 29 cents.

1960s

Oppenheimer starts importing onions from South America, and eventually builds one of the first Chilean fruit import programs in the industry.

1963

Canadians get their first taste of New Zealand kiwifruit courtesy of Oppenheimer. Kiwifruit sold at 7 cents apiece.

1973

We introduce Royal Gala apples to North America, followed shortly thereafter by Braeburn. Fuji rounds out our bi-colored apple program from New Zealand.