A trio of produce companies has been named to the list of Canada's Best Managed Companies.

Mastronardi Produce, a Kingsville, ON-based greenhouse vegetable producer, JemD Farms, a Leamington, ON-based greenhouse vegetable producer, and Oppy, a Vancouver-based marketer of a full line of produce items from around the world, were among the 50 best-managed companies in Canada.

Oppy was named among Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the 13th consecutive year, and it has been a member of the esteemed Platinum Club for seven years. The Platinum Club honors top-performing companies that earn a place among the best for six years or more.

While experience counts for a great deal, it's a strategic approach and an entrepreneurial spirit that enable Oppy to sustain its run among the country's top companies, said John Anderson, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"While we operate with a highly disciplined and well-defined strategy, our structure fosters agility," Anderson said. "We can embrace opportunities with growers and retail partners swiftly and effectively, creating turnkey programs that add value. And we have systems in place to manage logistics while delivering on our expect-the-world-from-us promise. "

For Mastronardi, this marks the fifth straight year it has been named to the list.

"It is a huge accomplishment to be named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for five consecutive years," Paul Mastronardi, CEO of Mastronardi Produce, said in a press release. "I am extremely proud and would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to each and every employee who made this possible, including those at our operations in other countries."

Since first being named as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies in 2009, Mastronardi Produce has continued to grow. In addition to quality and flavor, Mastronardi is known for its sustainable business practices, from growing to packaging to distribution, as outlined in its Green Grass Project. The company's commitment to sustainability extends to all of its operations, including its greenhouse Envirofresh Farms, located in Sombra, ON, which is the first carbon-negative greenhouse in North America.

"My family has been passionate about growing flavorful produce for over 60 years," Mastronardi added. "It is an honor to continue to do what we love and to be recognized for it in such an extraordinary way."

Jim DiMenna, president and CEO of JemD Farms, said he was honored that his company again made the list.

"It is a great honor to be receiving this prestigious award once again," DiMenna said in a press release. "Being recognized for our ongoing expansion, team leadership and quality assurance efforts, is an achievement we will celebrate."

The Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program, sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen's School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums, recognizes Canadian organizations that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.