Krystal McCusker, 39
Sales Representative, Oppy, Coquitlam, British Columbia
June 12, 2026 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Hobbies: Traveling, Eating, Reading the newest book series, Motorcycle Riding
Family/Community: Married, 2 children
Motto in life: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that’s the best way to learn and grow!
McCusker joined the produce industry in 2006 as an administrative specialist for Dole Fresh Fruit Deciduous, while she was still attending college. Over the course of several years, she worked her way to grower service supervisor, where she was responsible for volume projections, grower accounting, and financial reporting, gaining an understanding of imported produce and the relationships between all networks. During this time, she collaborated with and built strong relationships with Chilean Growers.
In 2019, she moved into sales with Del Monte Fresh Produce NA, continuing with deciduous commodities, where she worked with different markets within the U.S., along with being exposed to the fresh-cut sector of the business. She was responsible for sales, along with customer programs and category management, fresh-cut replenishment and grower reporting.
In December 2021, she moved to Oppy (The Oppenheimer Group) in her current position. She is currently responsible for servicing multiple retail and wholesale accounts with sales revenues over $29 million among 10-plus categories. She is also a key account manager of one of the top retail accounts. In 2022, she participated as a member of the Eastern Produce Council’s Leadership Program.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
To be fair, I never dreamed of working in the produce industry. I never even thought of how all this produce manages to get on the shelves in the grocery stores. However, I was given an opportunity while still in school and never looked back!
Q: What do you wish you knew when you first started your career?
No two seasons are the same! Ha, no two days are the same!
Q: What is the one thing in produce that you are most passionate about?
The diversification of produce. There are so many options that are extremely beneficial for healthy living in a world full of “convenient” fast food options. The right food is better than medicine.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
I am extremely proud that I worked and paid my way through college. I am the first and only person in my family to attend and graduate with a college degree.
Q: What do you think drives growth the most in the industry?
Knowledge! Consumers will walk past the next best item if they are unaware of what it is and the benefits it provides.
Q: Where do you think growth happens the most?
Marketing can impact growth tremendously. Understanding the trends and being ahead of the curve can make or break a product.
Q: What are some trends you think fuel consumers to purchase more produce?
Social media has a great impact on consumer purchasing. It is impressive, and also a little scary, the impact an influencer has.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
To listen! Listen to those around you, others in the industry. Everyone has a different perspective or way of doing something. You can learn something new every single day. Understand that you will never know it all, continue to ask questions, and that no question is a stupid question.
NOMINEES
