The British Columbia Produce Marketing Association recently recognised Oppy’s Chairman, chief executive and managing partner John Anderson with its Lifetime Achievement award, celebrating his 45 years of dedication to the fresh produce industry.
Anderson has led the global fresh produce grower, marketer and distributor through numerous transformations during his tenure, focusing on innovation, technology and building strategic international partnerships.
Key highlights of his career include spearheading Oppy’s in-house ERP software, which remains a cornerstone of the grower’s expansive operations, as well as strengthening Oppy from $7m in sales when he joined it in 1975 to a billion-dollar company with increasing international operations.
Other achievements include a focus on strategic investments that are aligned with Oppy’s vertical integration strategies, including the California strawberry joint venture that secured Oppy’s position in the high-value berry category under the Ocean Spray brand.
Anderson also played an instrumental role in developing Oppy’s joint shareholding with T&G, which strengthened its export capabilities and apple category offerings, among numerous other strategic partnerships with businesses around the world.
Prior to this, Anderson completed a strategic partnership with Total Produce in 2013, one of the world’s largest produce companies.
“It is an incredible honour to receive the BCPMA’s Lifetime Achievement award and I consider myself especially fortunate to have enjoyed a long career in an industry that prides itself on knowledge sharing and cooperation.” Anderson said. “This year has been especially challenging for our industry, but we have managed to persevere and adapt by working together and supporting each other wherever possible, fulfilling our essential roles when our communities needed us the most.”
Other noteworthy accolades include Anderson’s selection as one of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs in 2017, his recognition by the BC CEO Awards in 2014, and being honored as EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015.
“Throughout his career John worked to develop and expand his business in Canada, the US and now the world,' said Canadian Produce Marketing Association president Ron Lemaire. 'This accomplishment and others are based on his commitment to his staff, supply chain partners and the regional and national associations he has helped build.
“As a past chair of CPMA, John supports the association with his thoughtful insights and commitment to our entire team, he drove us to be better and support our members in areas that would help expand our entire market,' Lemaire added. 'His leadership and respect for all those he works with is an example to all of us.”
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