In an industry that continues to garner new challenges and need creative problem-solving, there is always something new to learn. That is why the Oppy U program was developed; to help advance the skills of our teammates through practical knowledge and valuable experience. We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s class — 12 individuals completed … Continued
Now in its second year, the Oppy Scholarship Program is continuing its commitment to fostering bright minds. This initiative offers a grant to children of Oppy employees that are either a high school senior entering college in the 2023-2024 academic year or a current college student continuing their educational journey. We were thrilled to receive … Continued
Formerly rooted in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Brett currently resides in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Attending Dalhousie University, where he pursued a degree in business management, he achieved his CCP designation from The Credit Institute of Canada. Brett’s career path started in the manufacturing and telecommunications sectors where he contributed his expertise to the … Continued
At the heart of Oppy’s mission lies a deep-rooted dedication to delivering healthy food to the world. This commitment extends beyond the realm of commerce and resonates in our strong support for local food banks across North America. Over the years, it has manifested through donations of both food items and monetary contributions, fostering a … Continued
Currently residing in Alberta, Canada, Stewart is originally from the west coast, where he pursued his education in business administration and marketing at the University of British Columbia. Starting his career in transportation and logistics at C.H. Robinson Worldwide, where Oppy was his customer, he joined the team as transport and supply chain manager … Continued
Each year Oppy sends an employee to attend the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, a powerful event that celebrates and amplifies the voices of women in the produce industry. This event, organized in partnership with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), is dedicated to providing a … Continued
At the turn of the century, Oppy’s culture was evolving and becoming a key priority for Chair, CEO and Managing Partner John Anderson and the leadership group. In October 2003, Oppy’s new positioning statement expect the world from us was introduced, heightening our reputation of superior customer service and unshakeable teamwork. As our promise began … Continued
A sold-out show floor held nearly 300 exhibiting companies and a record number of attendees for two days of networking, learning and building business in Toronto last week, making it the largest CPMA ever. The Oppy team had a busy week full of meetings, committee discussions, media interviews and more. There was much to … Continued
Born and raised in Chile, Mariela currently resides in Kennett Square, PA. She studied agricultural engineering and food safety in her hometown at the University of Talca. Prior to Oppy, Mariela worked as a supervisor at a farm that harvested grapes, apples, pears and corn in addition to packing them in the warehouse. When … Continued
Studying engineering and finance in university, Luis started his career at Oppy in 2015 when he joined the export team at the Santiago, Chile office. He’s since moved to accounting as financial controller. “The most important part of my job is preparing financial reports with the team in a timely manner,” Luis explained. He … Continued
Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Joan currently resides in BC’s Lower Mainland. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in interactive arts and technology, Joan worked in the packaging industry for 14 years in both structural and graphic design. “Packaging has always been my passion,” she shared. “It’s difficult to know where to start in … Continued
Born and raised in White Haven, Pennsylvania, Danielle currently resides in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Phoenix and began her career as a general manager in the hospitality industry before joining Oppy in 2002 as a business development representative. Danielle is a part of the Oppy boomerang club, having left Oppy in … Continued
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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