Interview with John Anderson, Oppy’s Chair, CEO, and Managing Partner.

Oppy, a global leader in the fresh produce industry, has been connecting growers and consumers for over 165 years.

With roots tracing back to its founding in 1858, the company has evolved into a fully integrated operation, sourcing over 100 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables from 27 countries.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Oppy supplies millions of boxes of produce annually to over 1,300 retailers across North America and worldwide.

The company’s rich history is marked by innovation and enduring partnerships.

Over the years Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ, and Envy apples, as well as green, gold, and red kiwifruit.

These introductions have diversified the market and set new standards for quality and taste in the fresh produce sector.

In a recent conversation with Produce Leaders, John Anderson, Oppy’s Chair, CEO, and Managing Partner, shared insights into the company’s journey and commitment to excellence.

“Oppy is a grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the globe,” Anderson shared. “About 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent move through our supply chain annually”.

Oppy’s extensive product range includes popular items like avocados, berries, apples, and oranges available year-round, as well as innovative seasonal specialties.

The company’s ability to provide continuous availability is attributed to its global growing operations, spanning every fertile continent. This global presence ensures that consumers have access to fresh produce regardless of the season.

“Oppy offers a diverse range of fresh produce and specialized services that set us apart in the industry” Anderson explained. “By growing on every continent, we’re able to maintain year-round availability for most of our products, making us a reliable partner in fresh produce.”

“Our services span the entire supply chain, including strategic growing advice, grower financing, logistics, quality assurance, sales and marketing, all designed to support seamless operations and ensure product quality.” he added. These comprehensive services are designed to support seamless operations and ensure product quality from farm to table.

The company’s portfolio boasts signature brands like Ocean Spray, with its Happy Berry™ hydroponic strawberries, Zespri, Divemex, OriginO, JAZZ, Envy, Oceanside Pole, and many more. These brands reflect Oppy’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

The variety of products encompasses apples, avocados, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, grapes, kiwifruit, leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes, among others.

Innovation remains at the core of Oppy’s operations, as the company recently launched a partnership with Blue Diamond Almonds, introducing a fresh line of six almond flavors developed specifically for the produce aisle.

They’re aiming to expand almonds’ presence with flavors like Sea Salt Almonds & Blueberries in resealable bags.

Anderson highlighted the significance of this venture:

“Annual almond consumption in the U.S. is three times higher than that of the next most popular tree nut, yet almonds make up only 5% of the total produce volume. We see a huge opportunity by bringing Blue Diamond Almonds to center-store, and look forward to launching this tasty array of fresh almond and almond-fruit blends into retail produce departments in the new year.”

– John Anderson, Oppy’s Chair, CEO, and Managing Partner

Oppy has also expanded its offerings in the berry category. Earlier this year, the company introduced two exclusive blueberry varieties, Pink Cosmo and Hunkaberry, in collaboration with G&M Farms.

Pink Cosmo is noted for its unique pink hue and a delightful blend of classic blueberry taste with bright floral notes. Hunkaberry sets a new standard for jumbo blueberries, featuring an exceptionally large size of over 18mm.

“This collab represents years of experimentation and a longstanding relationship between our teams,” Anderson remarked.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Oppy’s business philosophy. The company has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives.

One notable advancement is the launch of a 100% home compostable avocado pack, developed in partnership with Avoworks and Eco Farms.

“Different from other compostable options which can only be broken down effectively within industrial facilities that require intensive energy processes, this pack is certified for backyard compost,” Anderson explained. “Both its netting and label are made with cellulose sourced from beechwood that can decompose in as little as 12 weeks.”

Oppy’s commitment to sustainability extends to its operations and supply chain.

The company has invested in renewable energy sources, improved data collection on energy use, and implemented energy-saving measures such as installing LED lighting in facilities.

In 2023, Oppy reported a decrease in total climate impact from 282,484 tons of CO2 to 242,107 tons per year, showcasing its efforts in emission reduction.

The company’s approach to sustainable agriculture includes practices like regenerative agriculture and integrated pest management.

Oppy markets Mexican table grapes grown using regenerative agriculture methods, aiming to rehabilitate ecosystems and enhance natural resources.

The company is also testing innovative technologies like BloomX to minimize dependency on honeybees for pollination, which could provide a sustainable alternative to increase crop yields and quality.

Waste reduction is another area where Oppy has made considerable progress. By partnering with upcycling organizations, the company has diverted substantial amounts of food waste and packaging materials from landfills.

Initiatives include collaborating with Rios Organics and ReFeed to repurpose food waste into animal feed or energy and donating surplus produce to organizations like Food Forward.

Oppy’s dedication to innovation is fostered through its Innovation Council, an interdisciplinary group that evaluates and implements effective ways to improve business practices.

Oppy’s contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed.

The company has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 23rd time, earning a place in the program’s Platinum Club for 17 consecutive years.

This accolade reflects Oppy’s industry-leading performance, global business practices, and sustained growth.

The recognition underscores Oppy’s commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing industry.

Oppy’s influence was also evident at the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event drew over 20,000 attendees from more than 70 countries. Oppy used this platform to launch its new partnership with Blue Diamond Growers, generating significant buzz with a vibrant marketing campaign that included sampling stations and eye-catching displays.

The company’s participation in industry events highlights its role in shaping the future of fresh produce. By fostering relationships with growers, retailers, and logistics partners, Oppy ensures that its supply chain is efficient and responsive to market demands.

The company’s in-house logistics company, Oppy Transport, coordinates climate-controlled shipments, emphasizing the importance of quality and freshness.

Oppy’s long-standing success is rooted in its culture of caring and community involvement.

The company actively supports local charitable organizations, participates in national and international initiatives, and encourages employees to engage in fundraising and volunteer efforts.

Beyond corporate contributions, employees also dedicate time and resources to meaningful causes, both locally and globally, demonstrating a shared commitment to making a positive impact.