With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, Kevin Batt returns to Oppy as its category director of the greenhouse after over a decade.
From 2002 to 2010, Batt helped shape Oppy’s greenhouse program from ground zero. Now, nearly 12 years later, he is back in the driver’s seat after honing his greenhouse expertise at BC Hot House Foods Inc. and Longvine Growing Co.
“We’re excited to have Kevin back and look forward to the growth he’ll undoubtedly influence,” said vice-president of categories and strategy Jason Fung. “With his background inside and outside Oppy, he’s the perfect person to inject some fresh energy into this flourishing category. From both an experience and culture standpoint, Kevin has all the values and service levels that align with Oppy in spades. That’s what made it such an easy decision.”
Left to right: Kevin Batt, Jason Fung
In recent years, organic and conventional greenhouse volumes have dramatically increased in peppers, tomatoes, and long English cucumbers, including from Oppy’s brands Divemex, OriginO, and Perpetual Vegetable Co. This is in addition to its fully-automated, high-density vertical growing system of leafy greens from the UP Vertical Farms brand to debut this fall.
“Our greenhouse category is in growth mode. We look forward to continuing to build our programs and product offerings at retail and delivering on the expect the world from us promise every step of the way,” Fung said.
“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come back to such a great organization,” said Batt, who joined Oppy on June 6. “It’s been really exciting to entrench myself into something I’m familiar with and discover how it’s grown and evolved over a dozen years. I’m honored to be a part of the Oppy team again.”
Aaron Quon, executive director of greenhouse and Canadian category development, and Batt will work together hand-in-hand.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel: +1 (604) 461-6779
[email protected]
www.oppy.com