A huge congratulations to this year’s class of 40-Under-40 award winners, which includes Oppy’s very own Category Director of Tropicals Eric Ziegenfuss! Produce Business annually spotlights rising entrepreneurs and leaders who have shaped the produce industry in a very short time, and paving the way for what comes next. Something Eric is no stranger to. … Continued
Over 5,700 participants took part in this year’s RBC Race for the Kids to raise money for childhood cancer and mental health initiatives at BC Children’s Hospital. This year a fundraising record was set for the event with over $1.25 million raised! Oppy’s own Senior FRUP Manager David Cheung is vice president on the BCPMA … Continued
Oppy boosts booming category with veteran hire With over 22 years’ experience in the industry, Kevin Batt returns to the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce as its category director of greenhouse after over a decade. From 2002 to 2010, Batt helped shape Oppy’s greenhouse program from ground zero, now, nearly 12 years … Continued
Oppy applauds groundbreaking partner’s half-century milestone While the Oppy-Eco Farms network is just a couple years old, the two companies’ combined 200-plus years of experience has since created massive expansion opportunities for customers seeking new avocado solutions. Lauding its 50th year since pioneering the high-demand fruit, Eco Farms President Steve Taft reflects on how far … Continued
Woodyear-Smith and MacDonald to retire June 30 Oppy is celebrating two of its finest, Tropicals Category Vice President Steve Woodyear-Smith, and Creative Services Director Cathie MacDonald, as they wrap up their careers with the leading grower, marketer and distributor at the end of the month. “Steve and Cathie have both made momentous contributions to our … Continued
Leading grower, marketer and distributor powers Love, Sweat & Gears team Long known for moving fresh produce around the world swiftly and safely on vessels, trucks and planes, Oppy is now helping one of its own travel across the United States — on a bicycle. Executive Director of Marketing Karin Gardner is a member of … Continued
Born, raised and currently residing in the Toronto, Ontario, Susanne is a jack-of-all-trades with a degree in fashion merchandising and design, certified in yoga instructing and is currently enrolled to become a certified dog handler. Susanne began her career as a fashion buyer in her hometown, eventually moving into a public relations role, where she … Continued
Season focuses on premier varieties and volume growth With the San Joaquin Valley grape harvest full steam ahead, Oppy is dialing up a high-volume season featuring preferred varieties and an increased focus on innovation. The leading fresh produce grower, marketer and distributor anticipates a 20% boost in California grapes over last year, with a wide … Continued
Every year the Eastern Produce Council (EPC) invites promising industry up-and-comers to join its leadership program which delivers valuable knowledge through classroom and field experiences. Newark Sales Representative Stephen Sanders participated in 2019, and inspired his co-workers Business Development Representative Kate Watson and Sales Representative Krystal McCusker to join this year. The EPC leadership program … Continued
The Dalles safeguards fruit following adverse neighboring weather As the Pacific Northwest emerges from some of the most intense climatic conditions in recent years, the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce is gratified to have a positive outlook for the upcoming Orchard View cherry season. “Our hearts go out to our fellow cherry … Continued
INGREDIENTS 1 teaspoon salt 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 12 cooked prawns, deveined (tails left on) 1 pear, cored, peeled & diced 2 Zespri® SunGold kiwifruit, peeled & diced 2 EcoFarms™ avocados, cut in half with seed removed … Continued
Walt Breeden to retire June 2022 After three and a half decades with the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce, Vice President of Canadian Sales Walt Breeden is off on his next adventure: retirement. Joining Oppy from iconic Vancouver-based retailer Woodward’s to sell California-grown produce to Western Canadian customers in 1987, Breeden’s role … Continued
Avoworks joins Oppy and Eco Farms to form a robust new avocado solution A unique opportunity to keep shelves stocked with high quality Mexican avocados has arrived, thanks to the addition of Avoworks to the Oppy-Eco Farms go-to-market strategy. Avoworks, a recently formed consortium featuring Michoacán grower-packers Adeac, AvoHit and La Viña and featuring a … Continued
Born in Washington, DC and currently residing in a suburb along Lake Michigan, Ryan studied food marketing at Saint Joseph’s University and has a MBA from Salve Regina University. Ryan’s passion for our industry began when he was a 15-year old working in Genuardi’s Family Market’s produce department and serving as a merchandising intern for … Continued
Deloitte welcomes the 21-year honoree into its Platinum Club for the 15th time Proving its resilience in seasons of adversity, Oppy has been chosen as one of Canada’s Best Managed companies yet again. With this recognition, the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce celebrates cultural and commercial growth in the face of recent global … Continued
After just one year of trials, Oppy solidifies its support of automated yield forecasting AI Initiating their partnership at the beginning of 2021, Bloomfield Robotics and the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce commenced trials of the tech in its California grape vineyards which revealed quick success. Just one year later, Oppy is … Continued
INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp coconut/olive oil 1 cup coconut milk 8 red apples (I used Envy Apples) 2 tsp cinnamon, turmeric, ginger powder & salt 1 star anise 4 tbsp cornstarch 2-3 lemon, juiced ½ cup agave 4 tbsp cornstarch 8 flour, corn or wheat tortillas (I used flour) DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 F. Peel, … Continued
INGREDIENTS CAKE 1 1/4 cups oatmilk (or almond milk) 1 tbsp lime juice, or apple cider vinegar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 4 1/2 cups almond flour 1 1/4 cornstarch 1 tbsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda 1/2 cups raw cane sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups Envy apples, shredded (leave skin on) MILK … Continued
After a three-year hiatus, produce pals from around North America were once again in one city to celebrate the industry in a monumental CPMA. With a theme of reconnection, a sold-out show floor held over 270 exhibiting companies and a record number of attendees for a week of networking, learning and building business in Montreal. … Continued
Born, raised and currently residing in the City of Angels, Madie studied agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University. She participated in the Produce Marketing Association — now known as International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) — Center for Growing Talent Career Pathways Program in 2017. Madie has held a variety of jobs in the food service … Continued
One step closer to its goal of becoming one of the greatest sustainable produce companies in the world Gaining extensive experience in sustainable practices for nearly 165 years, the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce is addressing its environmental and social stewardship responsibilities in a fresh way with the promotion of Garland Perkins … Continued
Envy™ and JAZZ™ apples continue to grow in Canada through customized efforts As the first in-person CPMA show in three years approaches, Oppy is eager to revisit Montreal, the eastern Canadian hub for its latest promotional efforts supporting leading premium Envy™ and JAZZ™ apple brands. Apples are the second best-selling fruit category based on dollar … Continued
Winter program expects a smooth transition to the freshest eating Southern Hemisphere fruit Bringing top-quality import apples and pears from the world’s most sought-after production regions, the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fruits and vegetables sets out to deliver the freshest crop to the North American market at just the right time. A wide … Continued
INGREDIENTS 1-2 pounds California Happy Berry™ strawberries 2 or more 12-ounce bags of Candy Melts 1 jar sprinkles or other toppings DIRECTIONS Rinse strawberries with cool water; pat dry with paper towels. Place candy melts in small microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute and stir well. Continue to microwave and stir at 30 second intervals until smooth and completely melted. … Continued
Growing up in an army family, Deb lived all across Canada, finally calling the Lower Mainland of BC home, where she graduated from Simon Fraser University with a bachelor’s of arts degree in archaeology. She began her career in tourism, working across a variety of sectors in roles ranging from senior contract administrator to project … Continued
U.S. market reintroduces plums from South Africa after nearly a decade Strategically bolstering its international presence in recent years, Oppy is among the first to offer South African plums to the North American marketplace following an eight-year hiatus. As U.S. authorities tightened import regulations for Chilean plums following pest detection in early 2021, Sila Louw, … Continued
With 2022 in full swing and our teams full steam ahead, we are so proud to announce that Oppy has been chosen as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2022. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Oppy has been recognized as one of the best employers in British Columbia — the province we first … Continued
Supplying one in every three kiwis in North America, Oppy looks to expand market First bringing red kiwifruit to North America nearly a decade ago, and again in recent seasons, the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world is looking to build the market with this category complement through a … Continued
Born and raised in Hong Kong, China, Eric came to Canada in 2006 to attend the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He began his career in Vancouver as a bookkeeper, gaining experience over multiple industries including travel, education and real estate, along with working at an agency … Continued
New Wave Berry is proud to announce the first harvest of its Ocean Spray Happy Berry™ hydroponic strawberries. Grown under hoops, these berries promise high quality, always-sweet flavor and consistent year-round availability. They are planted on chest-high tabletops to ease labor which enables higher yields per acre, requiring less chemical inputs and no ground fumigation … Continued