Global produce leaders reinforce ties, strengthen partnership
In a move that links three leading fresh produce companies in an unprecedented global supply chain, Total Produce plc, The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy), and Turners and Growers (T&G Global) announce the evolution of their strategic partnership.
On March 1, Total Produce plc completed the anticipated second stage of its purchase of shares in Oppy, increasing its holdings from 35 to 65 percent.
Concurrent with this transaction, T&G Global has boosted its shareholding in David Oppenheimer and Company, Oppy’s U.S. subsidiary, from 15 to 39.4 percent.
And in a separate transaction, Oppy has purchased 50 percent of Delica North America Inc., the legal name of T&G’s Global’s U.S.-based export business, T&G North America.
Oppy, T&G and Total Produce now all also share an interest in David Oppenheimer Transport, Inc., with Oppy continuing as the majority owner.
The trio of companies now jointly operate in North and South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe, and represent an even broader footprint through grower networks. Together they offer an impressive assortment of preferred fresh produce items to global markets, year round.
“We are very pleased to increase our shareholding in Oppy and for Oppy and Total Produce to strengthen ties with T&G Global. We look forward to continuing to work with John Anderson in Oppy, Alastair Hulbert in T&G and their teams in the coming years to further build on the success of Oppy and Delica North America,” said Total Produce Chairman Carl McCann.
Oppy and T&G Global, which is a subsidiary of BayWa AG of Munich, Germany, enter the new phase in their relationship with an eye to optimizing exports and supply chain synergies beyond their currently shared portfolio which features premium apples Jazz, Pacific Rose and Envy.
T&G Global CEO Alastair Hulbert says T&G Global has enjoyed a strong and successful partnership with Oppy and its management team for many years and looks forward to working closer with the team and with Total Produce plc.
“Our increased shareholding recognizes the growing importance we place on the U.S. market for our Jazz and Envy PVR apple brands and the vital role Oppy is playing in this success. Aligning our U.S. export business, T&G Global North America, with Oppy will enable T&G Global to present grower suppliers to both U.S. and international customers and further strengthen its ability to service and support the needs of these U.S. domestic and international customers.”
Oppy Chairman, President and CEO John Anderson notes that T&G and Oppy have enjoyed a relationship since 1956—starting in the early days of New Zealand fruit exports to North America—and has worked with them directly throughout his 42-year career.
“T&G’s increased shareholding in Oppy facilitates growth in our apple category, as well as others, and give us the opportunity to expand our export offerings,” said Anderson, who will continue to lead Oppy in his current role. “The combination of the three organizations will extend the benefits of shared expertise, products, and supply chain to our global customers.
“We are pleased to integrate even more deeply with Total Produce, with whom we have experienced a vibrant and productive relationship while operating autonomously since our partnership began in 2013,” Anderson summed up. “It will continue be ‘business as usual’ for customers and growers interacting with Oppy, we’ll just have more to offer than ever before.”
