Oppy Welcomes Back David Nelley to Lead South American Operations
October 2, 2025 | 3 min to read
David Nelley returns to Oppy as vice president of South American operations, bringing more than 30 years of global produce experience to strengthen year‑round supply strategy. He will oversee South American offices, grower relations and collaborations with executive category directors to expand Oppy’s continuous fresh‑fruit programs across North America. Nelley’s prior leadership at Oppy and roles at The Fresh Connection and Apeel Sciences position him to drive growth and deepen supplier and retailer partnerships.
Produce veteran brings more than 30 years of global experience to support year-round supply strategy
Chino Hills, Calif. — Oppy announces the return of produce industry veteran David Nelley as vice president of South American operations, bringing more than 30 years of global fresh produce experience back to the company.
Nelley’s career spans New Zealand, North America, Asia, Australia, South America and beyond, where he has driven sales, marketing and export strategies across multiple sectors of the fresh fruit industry. Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer at The Fresh Connection and vice president of retail sales at Apeel Sciences.
Before those roles, Nelley spent more than 18 years at Oppy in leadership positions including vice president of categories and global exports, and executive category director for apples, pears and northwest cherries. During that tenure, he strengthened supplier and retail partnerships, developed global programs, and led strategies that delivered strong growth and results for both Oppy and its grower-partners. Earlier in his career he held key marketing and sales roles with Enzafruit, now known as T&G Global, where he helped open new markets and was instrumental in building brands such as Envy and JAZZ apples.
“It’s an exciting time to fit right back into Oppy, a company that has been so formative in my career,” said Nelley. “I’m delighted to return to the culture at Oppy, and work with trusted colleagues who are friends. South America plays a critical role in global produce supply, and I look forward to working with our growers and retailers to deliver fruitful programs.”
In this role, Nelley will work closely with Oppy’s executive category directors, grower relations and sales teams to expand its comprehensive and continuous supply of fresh fruit for customers across North America. He will also oversee the company’s South American offices and grower relations teams, coordinating with key partners throughout the continent.
President and Chief Operating Officer David Smith added, “We’re happy to welcome David back to Oppy. His deep knowledge of our business, combined with his broad international experience, uniquely positions him to strengthen our South American programs and create new growth opportunities.”
With grower-partnerships in 27 countries supplying over 100 varieties, Nelley’s return marks the next chapter in Oppy’s dedication to delivering premium, year-round produce.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.