As Fresh Week kicks off, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) has named John Anderson, chair, CEO and managing partner of The Oppenheimer Group, as the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Anderson joined Oppy in 1975 when the company was a single office produce sales operation, earning just a few million dollars in annual revenue. He has since then become a leading grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh produce, generating a billion dollars in sales each year. 

Recognized as an industry leader, he has held various director-level positions with the produce industry in both Canada and the United States. His contributions to the produce industry have earned him several professional awards including The Packer's Canadian Produce Man of the Year and The Packer’s U.S. Produce Marketer of the Year – making him the only person to win this prestigious publication’s awards in the United States and Canada. 

Under his strategic leadership, Oppy has received several recognitions including being named as one of BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and companies with Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. 

"John Anderson has been a pillar of the Canadian industry supporting regional, national, and international associations to better the marketplace for all,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA president. "Throughout his career, John has recruited many people to join the industry, including myself,” Lemaire added. “Over the years he has been an advocate, a mentor, and a friend of CPMA, and I can think of no one more deserving of the 2021 lifetime achievement award than John. His legacy has been felt by many working today and it will continue to influence generations to come." 

Source:  Canadian Produce Marketing Association April 13, 2021 news release