The Canadian Produce Marketing Association says it has named Paul Catania Jr., president and CEO of Catania Worldwide, as its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
CPMA says Catania’s achievements and contributions to the produce supply chain make him one of the renowned key industry leaders in Canada. His career spans more than five decades at his family’s business, Catania Worldwide, which was founded in 1929. He has played a pivotal role in carrying forward the company’s legacy of hard work, integrity and commitment to quality while shaping the Canadian produce industry globally, according to CPMA.
Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its operations throughout North America, strengthened its market presence and embraced innovation while remaining true to the core values established nearly a century ago, CPMA says.
Catania is widely respected for his mentorship, generosity and commitment to empowering employees, partners and future leaders. CPMA says his philanthropy has cultivated a culture of paying it forward, resilience and continuous improvement that reflects both his character and the enduring principles of his father, Paul Catania Sr., and his grandfather, Michael Leonard Catania.
“Paul Catania Jr. is renowned for his decades-long career, which illustrates leadership and unwavering dedication to support his team in efforts to advancing the fresh produce supply chain globally,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA president. “His commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation have not only shaped his family business legacy but also inspired the next generations of produce industry professionals in North America and beyond.”
CPMA will recognize Catania at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show’s awards brunch on Thursday, April 30, in Toronto.
