Oppy strengthens Canadian sales

Produce industry veteran Todd Plaxton joined Oppy’s Calgary sales team in July, bringing more than ten years of fresh produce experience and about three decades of expertise in food marketing and distribution to his sales representative role.

Plaxton came to the produce industry in 2003, following a dozen years in sales for Nestle Canada, Inc. and the previous eight years with his family’s company, Prairie Brokers Ltd., both in Saskatoon, Sask. Plaxton spent 2004-2013 with Star Produce Worldwide, where he developed the organization’s expansive Mexican program, ultimately running the deal in Nogales, Ariz. for Nova Produce, BC Hot House and Star Produce as vice president of sales.

More recently, Plaxton was a partner in a Tim Horton’s restaurant franchise involving seven outlets, but was eventually drawn to return to the produce industry.

“It’s what I know and love to do,” he said. “The opportunity at Oppy was appealing for many reasons. Sales Manager Steve Young has created a really special team in Calgary, a talented group of produce professionals with deep product knowledge and a supportive, results-focused culture. It’s great to be a part of it. With my background with the Mexican deal, I hope to contribute by growing our business to involve new items and opportunities.”

Young welcomes Plaxton to the team with enthusiasm. “Todd not only has a wealth of knowledge, he has great relationships with growers and with customers,” he said. “With Todd’s help, we have the opportunity to build and diversify our product mix from Mexico and serve customers in the Prairies even better on the whole range of Oppy items.”

Plaxton not only brings produce expertise to Oppy, he’s also a proven team player and leader, having been involved in the sport of baseball for most of his life. His experience includes coaching Team Saskatchewan at numerous Canada Cups and head coaching the Canada Summer Games Team in London 2001. Plaxton also owned the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets of the Western Major Baseball League from 2002 to 2014.