We’ve identified UP Vertical Farms, West Coast Tomato, Red Dog and Orchard View Cherries as the growers needing our full focus Please find ways you can offer your support to their success
Most Admired culture
You may have seen that Oppy was recently recognized for having one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for the fourth consecutive time With that honor, we have joined the program’s Hall of Fame Thank you for making Oppy’s high performing, positive culture an advantage we can enjoy and be proud of
Credit to diversification
While we achieved another record year in 2025, it was a roller coaster experience with as many deals down as up I continue to appreciate our diverse business model as a buffer against risk and opportunity to grow
Record results and the road ahead
JOHN ANDERSON Chairman, CEO & Managing Partner
2026 is off to a strong start, with key winter deals powering forward and our teams rising to the occasion amid challenging weather events and tight markets Before turning to the opportunities ahead, I want to pause and recognize what we accomplished together in 2025 — a year that was historically turbulent, yet full of opportunity Thank you for navigating it with resilience and focus
I’m pleased to share that we closed the year with record operating income once again Revenue increased approximately 5% over 2024, driven by higher sales and volumes across the business Crossing the USD $1 1 billion sales (1 65 billion CAD) is an achievement we can all take pride in — congratulations to the entire team
As is often the case in our business, these results came alongside real challenges Higher operating costs, coupled with record grower loan losses and claims provisions, weighed on performance Supporting growers remains central to who we are at Oppy That support takes many forms — from routine seasonal financing, to deeper investments with strategic partners, to the annual claims and settlement process at season’s end In difficult years marked by tough markets, quality issues, and other pressures, these settlement negotiations can be understandably intense
Reducing grower loan and claims risk will be a top priority in 2026 Our leadership team is focused on improving the processes that support this goal, including automating elements of grower accounting and inserting greater urgency into communication of marketplace performance back to our growers It’s important to remember that our grower partners entrust us with their livelihoods with every shipment they place in our hands
We also continue to see how costly it has become to grow fresh produce for the North American market Growers are facing rising labor, water, and input costs, along with tariffs and other unpredictable supply chain pressures At the same time, high retail margins are contributing to increased consumer prices and slower movement at store level
Our role is to help ease the pressure on both sides of the transaction By improving our own efficiency, we can better support growers while continuing to advocate for their products in the marketplace Achieving this requires collaboration across the entire organization, and it will remain a critical focus for Oppy this year
The theme of this issue of The Word from Work is a fresh future Despite the challenges before us, I am genuinely optimistic about where we are headed The integration of Dole Diversified North America late last year reflects our ability to grow with purpose and relevance We are already seeing the benefits through a historically large import grape program and expanded winter berry sales, including the addition of Dole’s Florida strawberry supply Looking ahead, we see significant opportunity in the Dole brand becoming a cornerstone of Oppy’s portfolio alongside our established house of brands
As we move forward, unpredictability will remain a constant — but so will our ability to rely on one another By collaborating, supporting each other, and holding ourselves accountable to the needs of the business, we can continue to build a culture rooted in care and shared success
Thank you for everything you do to support Oppy Our fresh future starts now
A fresh future STARTS HERE
Oppy’s integration of Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) marked a significant milestone in the company’s growth; built on years of collaboration, aligned strategy and a shared commitment to strengthening the business for the long term It brings together complementary strengths that position Oppy to deliver greater value across key categories, from berries, cherries, citrus and grapes, while opening the door to what’s next
While the formal alignment took time to finalize, the relationship behind it had been building for years Jason Fung shared, “We identified natural synergies well before the deal came together That early alignment allowed both organizations to work side by side sourcing products together, partnering with growers, and even integrating logistics, with Oppy handling DDNA’s freight for two years ahead of the integration By the time the teams officially came together, the opportunities were already clear ”
From a strategic standpoint, the fit was equally compelling David McNally shared that DDNA’s strengths in key categories, particularly Mexican raspberries and domestic berries, complemented Oppy’s existing portfolio, immediately bolstering core programs Access to the Dole brand further
strengthened Oppy’s long-term vision, unlocking new opportunities with growers and customers while reinforcing trust in the marketplace
"Success will be seen in stronger financial performance, achieving sales goals, and improving the quality and consistency of the products we bring to market," said Jason It will also be reflected in the seamless combination of legacy Oppy and Dole operations, delivering value across every part of the business
The integration also opens opportunities for teams to learn from one another, share best practices, and apply new ways of working By combining the expertise and energy of both organizations, we can operate with the agility of a smaller company while benefiting from the scale of a larger, integrated organization, in combination with a globally recognized brand “Progress will be evident not only in the numbers but in how teams collaborate and innovate together,” David said
We each have a part in building the next stage of our fresh future, one that positions Oppy for long-term success and continued leadership in the produce industry
We asked the DDNA team what they’re looking forward to building together at Oppy Here’s what they had to say about the future we’re collectively shaping
David McNally
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF DDNA
Building momentum by growing key categories, strengthening our supply base, and better serving customers The strong cultural fit between our teams gives us a solid foundation
Tony Colonna
SENIOR CATEGORY MANAGER OF BERRIES
I’m eager to continue the momentum from the last quarter of 2025 It will be great to see what we can do together over the course of the full year
Nicholas Fisfis
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
I am looking forward to building incredible business relationships within the organization and growing our portfolio of items Such a plethora of knowledge at our disposal now too
Saddy Preza
CATEGORY SPECIALIST
Strengthening partnerships across the berry category, from growers to internal teams, to help deliver high-quality fruit and consistent results for both our partners and customers
Kevin Delaney
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES FOR DDNA
I’m looking forward to building indispensable relationships with our customers and growers I’m also excited to learn from and work alongside the great team here at Oppy
Diego DeLeon
GROWER RELATIONS MANAGER
Strengthening our current supplier partnerships with the end goal of cementing Oppy as one of the top commercial partners for berry growers
Tori Alpha
SALES AND CATEGORY SPECIALIST
Learning the ins and outs of the different categories and understanding what makes each one successful I’m also excited to collaborate with the team, share insights, and continue learning
Moira Quinn
GROWER ACCOUNTANT II
This is a great opportunity for the company to reach new markets I am thrilled to be a part of an operation that is constantly evolving and thriving
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
Behind every achievement is a person with routines, inspirations and moments that make their work meaningful. We asked our employees of the year a few lighthearted questions so you can get to know them beyond their roles. From favorite Oppy moments to what fuels their days, here’s a snapshot of the people who help make Oppy a great place to work.
Vancouver Years with Oppy: 3
DANI RAYGOZA MEMORIAL OVERALL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Everice Miranda Grower Accountant
Manager
What’s been your favorite moment at Oppy? Being nominated for overall employee of the year has been my favorite moment It reflects the trust, collaboration and shared growth I’ve experienced across the business Stepping into my current role came with new challenges, and having colleagues recognize that effort means more to me than any single achievement
What’s your favorite book or podcast right now? My favorite book right now is “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown The book’s focus on courageous leadership, trust, vulnerability and open communication strongly resonates with how I approach my role at Oppy Many of the learnings, like leading with empathy, are things I’ve intentionally practiced while supporting my colleagues
What’s a non-negotiable part of your morning routine that sets you up for the day? Starting my day with a cup of coffee is essential It helps me ease into the morning and get ready for whatever the day brings
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you? “Everything is possible if you work on it ” I believe this is a good motto that inspires me to work on myself and continue achieving my goals
CAL TRIBIANO MEMORIAL EAST COAST USA EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Kate Parks Sales Analyst
What project or achievement at Oppy are you most proud of? Surviving Walmart for 26 years — we did it, team!
What’s your favorite book or podcast right now? I have been listening to several habit building podcasts (Huberman Lab is one of my go-tos) As for books, I love any of the classics
WEST COAST USA EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Elias Gonzalez Sales Representative
What’s been your favorite moment at Oppy? Being named employee of the year! When my name was announced, my first thoughts were of my family It was an incredibly emotional moment I see the award as recognition of both successes and mistakes It’s a reminder that your contribution matters to everyone While the award carries my name, it truly reflects the support, loyalty, professionalism and friendship of the entire kiwi team
What’s your next vacation destination? I’d love to visit Buenos Aires since I never made the time to go when I was living nearby But my favorite destination will always be Chile That’s where my parents, friends, and personal history are Going back is something I truly need, to spend time with my loved ones and fill spaces in the soul
Vancouver
Years with Oppy: 6
CANADIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Paul Cueto Warehouse Associate
What’s your favorite thing about your role at Oppy? I’m very fortunate to have incredibly supportive leaders in Steve Gauthier and Harbir Hundal They constantly challenge me and give me opportunities to grow by working with different departments It’s been fun and rewarding to step outside my usual warehouse role
What’s your next vacation destination? Japan! I’m going for two weeks at the end of April and I’m so excited
Carson Years with Oppy:
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT:
FRESH BYdesign
Marketing at Oppy has always been about momentum — supporting the business where it matters most and evolving alongside it as the company grows At its core, the marketing team exists to drive the business forward by providing meaningful, effective support to sales and BDRs That support shows up in many forms: Turning information into action, ideas into designs, concepts into campaigns and creativity into results that matter Beyond the commercial side, marketing also plays a key role in grower communication, brand development, culture-building and safeguarding Oppy’s reputation
What began as a two-person team in the Seattle office in the late 1980s, focused almost entirely on New Zealand kiwifruit and apples, has evolved into a full-service, multi-disciplined department supporting Oppy’s diverse portfolio of categories
A defining moment came in the mid-1990s, when James Milne joined the Vancouver office during a time when New Zealand kiwifruit was kept out of
the U S due to an anti-dumping suit That disruption redirected creative energy toward growing the ENZA apple brand in North America and ultimately led to the formation of a Vancouver-based marketing team with a broader mandate
Another major shift came in the early 2000s, when the Oppy brand appeared on packaging for the first time Recognizing the growing complexity and cost of external creative support, the company made the strategic decision to bring graphic design in-house As the business evolved, so did the team, with packaging, insights and sustainability joining the marketing umbrella in response to increasingly complex longterm needs
Today, collaboration is at the heart of how the team works Balancing brand strategy with fastpaced commercial demands isn’t always easy, but with careful planning, prioritization and a deep understanding of the business, the team consistently delivers
IMAGINING WHAT’S NEXT…
We asked the team to trade traditional titles and timelines for imagination, exploring how their roles, and marketing itself, might evolve in the years ahead.
James Milne
THE CHALLENGER
Storytelling will focus on the true points of difference and reliability of our team, systems and our pursuit of distribution and marketing excellence… being authentic in everything we do
Kelsey Van Lissum
THE BRAND VOICE WHISPERER
Demographics will matter less than emotional states Marketing will respond to stress levels and beyond, evolving through different life stages like a long-term relationship
Mona Khalaj
TREND TAMER
Marketing will go beyond analyzing past behavior, understanding and anticipating consumer needs and shifts, guiding the business to adapt and move in step with them
Alleanna Barrera
VISUAL HARVESTER OF PIXELS & FRAMES
Instead of butting heads with designers and creators, humans and AI will both work collaboratively and create products that surpass our wildest imaginations
Sandra Ulewicz
STORY ARCHITECT
Communication will be community driven It will be less about reach and high numbers and more about trust, participation and your audience feeling human
Karin Gardner
QUEEN OF WORDS AND WHISKERS
Marketing will become kinder and more personalized People will only see content that sells them what they really need, inspiring health, happiness and a simpler way of life
Jacqueline Crosley
CREATIVE VISIONARY
Brands will use AI to transform every touchpoint into a tailored, immersive brand experience Imagine packaging that talks and signage that knows your grocery list
WanTing Lin
KEEPER OF RETAIL SECRETS
AI-based modeling and consumer trend predictions will help determine the optimal 4Ps (product, price, place and promotion)
Joan Wu
PACKAGING NERD & PRIVATE LABEL PATHFINDER
Packaging strategy will shift from “less impact” to “net-positive impact,” with packs designed as part of circular systems rather than singleuse objects
Angela Chan
CHECKBOX CHECKER
Sustainability will be the default setting It will run in the background like software, automatically adapting decisions in real time, without anyone needing to check a box
Growing together in Latin America with Agroretail
Oppy’s acquisition of a 50% share in Agroretail marked an important milestone in our long-standing presence in Peru, one of the world’s most dynamic agricultural regions Though the acquisition took place in 2020, the partnership itself reflects nearly two decades of collaboration, mutual trust and shared ambition, with Francisco Avendaño representing Oppy in Peru since 2001
Founded in Peru in 2009, Agroretail is a leading produce sourcing and procurement company, and operates as Oppy’s eyes and ears at the source Led by its Managing Partner Francisco Avendaño, the team works directly with more than 50 growers across Peru and other key regions, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Spain, allowing it to source close to 5 million boxes of fresh produce annually and market them in North America through Oppy and globally through their own operation A strategic, on-the-ground partner, Agroretail provides end-to-end services that span supplier identification, commercial negotiations, quality control at origin, certification management, logistics coordination and market intelligence Their diversified, year-round portfolio includes grapes, blueberries, citrus, mangoes, avocados, ginger, pomegranates, and more, making them a critical link between growers and global markets
For Oppy, this partnership strengthens our foothold in Peru and enhances our ability to serve global retail and wholesale customers We already source a wide range of Peruvian products, including grapes,
blueberries, avocados, citrus, mangoes, ginger and pomegranates Agroretail’s diversified, year-round program and transparent, profit-sharing model allow us to deepen these categories while exploring new growth opportunities Our partnership is further strengthened through board-level involvement, with with Francisco Avendaño serving as President , David Nelley as chairman, James Milne and Manuel Duharte as board members and Kiran Rao as an observer
Ultimately, this partnership reflects what Oppy does best: Building strong, value-driven relationships that connect growers to the world’s most demanding markets
RETIREMENT:
KENNETH HE
Picture-perfect contributions
After 16 years of dedicated service, delivering both precision in his work and memories through his lens, Treasury Accountant Kenneth He retired from Oppy on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Joining us in his fourth year after moving to Canada, Ken quickly became an integral part of the company’s growth, while building a life and family alongside it. He was known for his accuracy, efficiency and keen eye for detail, and his contributions left a lasting impact on the team. Beyond his professional expertise, Ken was always appreciated for his photography skills, capturing countless memories at Christmas parties, golf tournaments, picnics and other Oppy events. He especially enjoyed the small daily chats with colleagues and the feeling of fulfillment that arises from work that is done well.
In retirement, Ken enjoys spending his days following his own schedule and hopes to travel more once his daughter heads to college in a few years.
LESLIE LOWERY-ULSTER
From grower accounting to growing a garden
After decades spent supporting the people who grow our produce, it feels just right that Leslie LoweryUtsler is now getting ready to grow some of her own. With plans for a large vegetable garden this spring and summer along with other types of yardwork, Leslie is happily settling into retirement after a 37year career with Oppy, which officially wrapped up on December 15, 2025.
Leslie started her Oppy journey in an inventory role, back when our Visalia office was known as David Oppenheimer California and operated above a gas station. From there, she moved through trouble files and accounts payable before finding her home in grower accounting. Along the way, Leslie distinguished herself as a go-to teammate — thoughtful, reliable, and always willing to tackle a challenge. Most recently, she supported the Sun Grape California JV, building strong relationships and keeping everything running smoothly.
Leslie is enjoying the simpler things in life — including running errands in the middle of the day when there’s less traffic! — while also catching up with friends (including fellow Oppy retirees), hitting the gym, organizing her home and planning that garden. She also plans to visit the local coast and mountains as she loves the outdoors. While Leslie misses the camaraderie at Oppy, she’s excited for what’s growing next.
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE:
Built for what’s ahead
Insights from President and COO
David Smith
The produce business never seems to give us a calm starting line, 2026 is already off to a running start
While we should take a moment to celebrate and pat each other on the back for another good year, the reality is, our growers continue to be in financial strife
With that comes an even greater responsibility to protect those who depend on us That responsibility weighs heavily on me, and I know many of you feel it too
It’s a reality that seems to build each and every year as markets continue to shift, costs rise, customer expectations evolve and external events continue to test our resilience
In the end, it comes down to the things we can control
As we’ve worked through the integration with Dole Diversified North America, that truth has become even clearer We did an enormous amount of planning on the front end, and that effort is paying off
It's clear we already have many strong best practices driving us forward The work now is to test them — to make sure they’re still valid, still real and still deserving of our bandwidth Some initiatives will move forward with more focus; others may need to pause Eliminating distractions is just as important as launching new ideas Our toolbox needs to remain flexible and interchangeable as conditions change
That adaptability is part of our culture In 2025, we had to deploy different problem-solving skillsets than we had before In 2026, we’ll need new ones again Continuous improvement isn’t a slogan here, it’s just how we operate Everything is in motion We respond by learning, adjusting and improving together
I trust our team, and I trust our collective ability to work through whatever comes next.
There are, of course complexities, but overall things are moving in the right direction I don’t want to be over-optimistic, but I am very optimistic that this will come together in a way that’s significant for Oppy, our people and our shareholders
On a personal level, integrating with the Dole team has been energizing Having David McNally in our office has brought a new dynamic to our leadership conversations David and his team bring a strong analytical perspective and that skillset is incredibly important right now Together with the broader Dole team, we’re building a better mousetrap: Capitalizing on our strengths, deploying smarter solutions, and converting this business into a robust component of Oppy’s future
I trust our team, and I trust our collective ability to work through whatever comes next
On a more personal note, this past year reminded me just how quickly things can change I’m thrilled to share that my son got engaged to a lovely girl At the beginning of the year they weren’t even dating, and by the end of it, they were planning their future together Big changes can come fast
As leaders, we experience the same in our work We constantly reflect on the health, happiness, goals and priorities of our business — and of our families What matters is how often we pause, reflect and adjust to maintain balance
So my advice to the team as we move into 2026 is this: Stay honest, keep improving, control what you can, build on what works and let go of what doesn’t And when the big things inevitably happen, we will be ready to embrace these opportunities when they appear
The future will be exciting and fresh And it’s ours to build together
Name that baby!
Send your answers to Sandra Ulewicz at sandra ulewicz@oppy com by March 31, 2026 Those with the most correct answers will receive a $25 Amazon gift card Good luck! 1 4 2 5 3 6
Put your recognition powers to the test by matching each of these adorable faces to the grown-up you work with today.
PhotoOppy
Off duty legends
Nancy deMelo Scarcella chasing elevation and endorphins on the trails
Navdeep Gill serving up sweet treats with her baking
Matthew Roehsler reels in quality time with his son
Julie Barber dives for a thrill
Dale Marthaller goes off the grid with a backcountry camping adventure
Joyce Reed gets up close with the locals at a reindeer farm
Karin Gardner races toward the finish line in competitive bike racing
Omar De Los Santos taking in the sights while travelling Europe
Sara Stinson steps up to the plate on the baseball field
Victoria Vancek explores Vancouver's haunted past with her ghost tours
