Oppy's Steve Young Discusses CPMA 2026 Showcase

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Oppy will be coming to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show with real momentum. Through the company’s integration with Dole Diversified North America six months ago, Oppy has expanded its offerings in berries, grapes, citrus, and cherries. Here to discuss is Sales Director of Canada Steve Young.

“What’s been most exciting is how quickly this momentum has translated into the marketplace, from the introduction of Dole-branded berries to the expansion of our overall offering. We’re building a stronger, more connected global network that delivers greater value to our customers and partners,” Steve began telling me.

In addition to Dole, Oppy will showcase a diverse portfolio of brands including Sun Grape, Eco Farms, Avoworks, Divemex, Envy, Zespri, OriginO, Perpetual Vegetable Co., UP Vertical Farms, and Ocean Spray. Each one represents a different facet of where the category is going.

“We’re especially excited about UP Vertical Farms’ newest microgreens that will be featured in the New Product Showcase, as well as the upcoming Zespri kiwi season and the momentum building toward our domestic grape season with Sun Grape,” Steve relayed. “At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in reliable, year-round local supply. Expanding greenhouse-grown cucumbers with Perpetual Vegetable Co. and strengthening our leafy greens and microgreens programs with UP Vertical Farms are great examples of how we’re delivering consistency while reducing supply gaps.”

All of this, according to Steve, is laying the groundwork for a lineup that is more resilient, more sustainable, and more closely aligned with what today’s consumers are looking for. CPMA provides the perfect platform to showcase all of these developments.

“After more than two decades in produce and nearly as many CPMA shows, what stands out to me this year is the pace of change across the industry. Canadian consumers are evolving quickly, and that’s pushing all of us to think differently about how we grow, move, and market fresh produce,” Steve pointed out. “CPMA creates a unique environment to have those conversations in real time with the people who have the ability to make an impact.”

Steve explained that Canada is one of the most dynamic produce markets in the world—diverse, quality-driven, and increasingly innovation-focused. That creates a real opportunity for collaboration across the value chain. For Oppy, it’s a key moment to strengthen relationships and explore new ways to grow the category together.

“We’ll have a strong cross-functional team on site from across Canada and the U.S., spanning sales, category management, operations, marketing, and more. That mix allows us to have more meaningful, well-rounded conversations with our partners,” Steve stated. “We’re also proud to recognize a couple of standout team members attending this year. Director of Business Implementation Projects Bilkis Laher has been named a 2026 Outstanding Woman in Produce by CPMA and Grocery Business. Joan Wu, our Packaging and Private Label Project Manager, is participating in the Passion for Produce program—bringing fresh perspective and energy to the next generation of industry leaders.”

On a final note, Steve said, “We’re looking forward to connecting throughout the show and especially at the banquet, where we’re proud to be sponsors of the evening. It promises to be a memorable night, complete with a special tribute and some great Oppy items on the menu. And be sure to stop by booth #601.”

More exclusive event coverage is coming your way, so stick with ANUK.