Hot on the heels of Senior Vice President of Sales and East Coast General Manager Brett Libke’s Capitol Hill appearance, Executive Director of Operations and Logistics Stewart Lapage joined representatives from across the Canadian fresh produce community on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for CPMA’s Fall Harvest event in mid-November. With the guidance of the Canadian … Continued
We all know how the right fuel for our bodies affects our everyday function, and how produce is at the center of that. But no one knows it better than professional athletes who depend on nutrition to progress their performance, and in turn, their craft. That’s why we’re partnering with Emeline Bennett, a Ski Cross … Continued
After a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many transformations, advancements and innovations amidst time gone by, the produce industry reunited for the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) first-ever Global Produce & Floral Show while reigniting business and friendships. With over 180 grower and retailer meetings, committee discussions, panels, presentations, media interviews and … Continued
The award honors British Columbia business leaders whose efforts have shaped the province and country JA British Columbia (JABC) has recognized John Anderson as one of its 2023 Laureate Inductees into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame. The award recognizes leaders who have exerted positive influence on the Canadian way of … Continued
At the end of September Senior Vice President of Sales and East Coast General Manager Brett Libke represented Oppy and the produce industry as a whole at the annual Washington Conference. Organized by The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), this event brought industry members together for three days to make their voices heard on key … Continued
Born and raised in Chile, Denise moved to Canada in 2017 and currently resides in BC’s Lower Mainland. She studied agricultural engineering at the Universidad de Chile earning a diploma in agroecology. Prior to Oppy, Denise worked as a quality control inspector, food safety certifier and organic certifier. Notably, she was a food safety certifier … Continued
Through its long-standing partnership, Oppy and the Japan Fruit Growers Cooperative have brought Japanese mandarin oranges into Canada for nearly 140 years. The tradition of sharing these oranges dates back to the first Japanese immigrants who came to Canada in the late 1800s. It was customary for them to receive packages from their families in … Continued
Industry veteran Kevin Batt boosts programs and product offerings Returning to the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce last summer after nearly 12 years, Category Director of Greenhouse Kevin Batt came aboard to further enhance Oppy’s greenhouse category through his network and expertise. Just months later as IFPA approaches, the team looks toward … Continued
Born, raised and currently residing in Chile, Alexia studied agricultural engineering. Alexia began her career as a quality controller at The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and resettled families in southern Chile for a hydroelectric company. She also worked in marketing for a seed company before joining Oppy in 2014 as a category coordinator, … Continued
Delivering 6.2 million packages for its grape category by year-end Newark, DE — Offering its third season of Cotton Candy grapes from Brazil, the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world looks toward increasing volume in the coming years as it sets a new record of packages in 2022. Sweet, juicy, … Continued
Sustainable business practices are at the heart of Oppy’s work — which is why our 20-year partnership with Divemex, who also holds those same values, has continued to flourish. At the end of August, Executive Director of Greenhouse and Canadian Category Development Aaron Quon, Grower Relations and Greenhouse Category Manager Albert Caudillo, Category Director of … Continued
Born, raised and currently residing in BC’s Lower Mainland, Myles studied business administration at Simon Fraser University. He started working for Oppy right after graduating six years ago, where his passion for the produce industry began. He was hired as a contractor in the Vancouver sales department and eventually earned a full-time position as a … Continued
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced its 2022-23 board of directors to take stage at The Global Produce & Floral Show this October which includes leadership of the executive committee and its next chair-elect for 2023-24 — assuming both roles is Oppy’s own Chairman, CEO and Managing Partner John Anderson. John is a … Continued
We are excited to share information about a few of our innovation projects and sustainability initiatives led by Senior Manager of Innovation and Sustainability Garland Perkins. Check out the video to learn about how we are using robots to fight powdery mildew, utilizing artificial intelligence for predicting yield in grape production and progress we are … Continued
Born in San Felipe, Chile and currently residing in Arizona, Pablo studied agriculture at the University of Aconcagua in his hometown. Pablo’s passion for our industry began when he worked in the quality department at Del Monte Fresh Produce for ten years and then at Decofrut before being hired by Oppy in January 2020. Pablo’s … Continued
The Vancouver office came together with their families to enjoy a sunny summer day on July 24. Oppy staff of all ages gathered at the office to enjoy games, a gardening site, arts and crafts, cookie station and so much more! Delicious food was served from Burgeraholic, a nice cool treat from Crema Ice Cream … Continued
Oceanside Pole label increases roma crop this season With nearly 2.2 million cases of rounds and over 1.6 million cases of romas expected to be picked from one million poles on 800 acres, the leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world is now shipping the Oceanside Pole label to its … Continued
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