The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has announced participants in the 2022 Passion for Produce Program that will be held during its 96th annual Convention and Trade Show, going on April 5-7 in Montreal. CPMA said it created the program in 2010 to provide “rising stars” in the produce industry with the opportunity to accelerate their professional development through a mentoring experience.
“We are thrilled to have so many rising stars from some of the leading companies within our industry,” CPMA President Ron Lemaire said in a news release. “[Passion for Produce] provides mentoring and education in a fast-paced, but fun, setting where participants learn through targeted mentoring sessions and networking events. This program also gives participants the opportunity to increase their knowledge beyond the scope of their current role within the industry.”
Over the three-day convention and trade show, Passion for Produce candidates are partnered with industry mentors for interactive sessions, networking events and more to learn all they can about the fresh produce industry in Canada. Participants gain knowledge through firsthand experiences, discussions and networking with the goal of empowering them to return to work with an enriched understanding and renewed enthusiasm for the produce industry.
Candidates develop lasting relationships with mentors, fellow candidates and other industry leaders that will guide them through their careers, said CPMA.
The 2022 Passion for Produce participants include:
Sarah Aouaz, Metro Inc.; Ezio Bondi, Bondi Produce & Specialty Foods; Myles Coueffin, Oppy; Nathan Couvillon, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers; Alexa Hambly, Gwillimdale Farms; Samantha Hawi, Mucci Farms; Madison Hopper, Equifruit Inc.; Kate Isaacson, Fresh Direct Produce; Jessica Levac, naturSource Inc.; Charlotte Mc Innes, Metro Inc.; Katrina McMorrow, Global Citrus Group; Ty Nielsen, Driscoll’s Inc.; Greg Palmer, Costco Wholesale Canada; Lauren Pelletier, Star Produce Ltd.; Elena Pitsikoulis, Canadawide; Anthony Suppa, Burnac Produce; Jennifer Taylor; Loblaw Companies Limited; and Mitchell Werry, Star Produce Inc.
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, CPMA is a nonprofit organization that represents a diverse membership made up of every segment of the produce industry supply chain. Members are responsible for 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada.
