Oppy strengthens greenhouse sales
Oppy’s greenhouse business just got a boost with the addition of category expert Justin Ruta to the company’s Newark, Del.-based sales team.
Ruta joined the marketer in the role of senior sales representative in mid-May, bringing with him proven greenhouse sales and marketing capabilities and well-rounded experience with many other items in the Oppy product range.
Most recently, Ruta worked as vice president of sales, sourcing and marketing at The Greenery in Westampton, NJ. In his new role at Oppy, he will contribute to the company’s greenhouse strategy and take a lead role in marketing greenhouse peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes in the Eastern U.S.
In addition to greenhouse vegetables, Ruta’s 21-year produce career includes procurement and sales of stone fruit, avocados, citrus, apples, grapes and other items. Before joining The Greenery in 2009, he spent five years at Dole Fresh Fruit, building avocado business with regional and national accounts, among other responsibilities. Previously, Ruta was in sales for the Mushroom Alliance, and in sales and procurement at Chiquita Fresh.
“We have a great opportunity to drive our greenhouse business forward east of the Mississippi,” said Brett Libke, Oppy’s East Coast general manager and director of sales. “Justin has the expertise to help us achieve that, and more. We are very excited that he has joined our team.”
Ruta was drawn to Oppy’s product line, and its “focus on things that matter” like quality, signature brands, consistent supply, grower-direct approach and, perhaps most notably, traceability and food safety. He is also enthused by the opportunity to lend his talents to the company’s growing greenhouse category.
“Oppy has terrific growers who are doing ground-breaking things,” he said. “The work being done in California is especially exciting, with growers focusing on producing high quality, high demand items in a sustainable manner. There are also great opportunities for our greenhouse organic and Fair Trade Certified programs. It’s fulfilling to be aligned with growers who share these values and present their products to our retail customers.”
Oppy’s greenhouse grower network includes SunSelect, Origin Organic Farms, Randhawa Farms, Divemex, Thorpe Family Farms, and more. These producers combine to assure Oppy delivers top quality peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes throughout the continent, throughout the year.
