Nearly a decade before Canada became a country, four immigrant brothers opened Oppenheimer Bros. & Co. on Vancouver Island, providing supplies to fortune seekers drawn by the gold rush. Today, commonly known by its nickname Oppy, it's a global fresh produce company celebrating its 165-year legacy of excellence, innovation, and commitment to delivering quality fruits and vegetables to customers.
Left: a bust of David Oppenheimer; right: John Anderson
The special occasion coincides with the esteemed David Oppenheimer Day, celebrated on July 12 in Vancouver, B.C. This day serves as a tribute to one of Oppy's visionary founders, who set a precedent for the company's enduring success and went on to serve as the city's second mayor and is credited with establishing much of its infrastructure. The company's entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire its operations and values to this day.
"We are proud to celebrate our 165th anniversary, an incredible milestone that exemplifies the company's longevity and enduring success," said John Anderson, chair, CEO and managing partner. Anderson was hired by Oppenheimer descendant David Godfrey Oppenheimer back in 1975, just seven years after the company's perishables department spun off into its own company.
"This year is doubly meaningful as we also reflect on our 20-year promise, expect the world from us — the driving force behind our pursuit of delivering the finest produce from around the globe while exceeding expectations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and our customers and partners for their unwavering support and trust in Oppy. There is much to celebrate and much to be proud of, but as always, we are steadfast in our focus on the future as we navigate today's dynamic environment. Our adaptability sets us apart and brought us to these two key milestones in our history," said Anderson.
Jonn Anderson was hired by Oppenheimer descendant David Godfrey Oppenheimer back in 1975, just seven years after the company's perishables department spun off into its own company.
He noted that while Oppy has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and consumer demands, it's been the result of deliberate strategy rather than mere luck. The company is recognized for its approach too, recently awarded Canada's Best Managed Companies for the 22nd time, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ in 2023.
As the company embraces its 165th anniversary and the 20-year milestone of the 'expect the world from us' promise, it remains focused on delivering exceptional produce experiences, fostering strong partnerships, and driving sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel.: +1 (604) 461-6779
[email protected]
www.oppy.com
