Meet me in Vancouver: Excitement builds for CPMA Convention and Trade Show
Anticipation is high as the fresh produce industry eyes the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 2024 Convention and Trade Show, which — at long last — returns to Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23-25.
The three-day show offers a robust combination of learning lounges, business sessions, social events, networking and awards, including the Canadian Produce Person of the Year award to be presented by The Packer at the annual CPMA banquet on April 25.
Ahead of this year’s gathering, The Packer connected with exhibitors to learn more about why CPMA is a must-attend event.
“This year’s CPMA holds special significance for us as it takes place in our hometown of Vancouver,” Windset Farms Director of Sales Ryan Cherry told The Packer. “The last CPMA convention to be held in Vancouver was in 2018, so we’re thrilled to once again host the produce industry in our beautiful city.”
But while the upcoming convention and trade show is an annual highlight, CPMA offers a year-round support system to companies like Windset Farms, said Cherry, adding, “Their programs and services are invaluable in navigating the dynamic business landscape.”
At this year’s CPMA event, Windset plans to introduce Yum Yums Cherry Tomatoes, Amore Sweet Tomatoes on the Vine, and Sweeties Seedless Mini Peppers.
CPMA 2024 will also mark the debut of the Windset Innovative Packaging Lounge, located at its booth No. 231, where visitors can explore Windset’s packaging solutions, such as the newly launched ECO Paper Packs made from 100% recyclable paper and the company’s range of lidding film solutions.
“The CPMA is the biggest trade show in Canada and an important place for us to connect with our partners across the industry,” said Peppe Bonfiglio, vice president of sales, Mastronardi Produce Ltd. “We love celebrating with the industry in our native Canada!”
Bonfiglio says Mastronardi will be showcasing some up-and-coming products that recently hit retail, along with “a couple of CPMA surprises.”
Attendees are invited to booth No. 1130 for a look at Bahama Bombs, Peppy’s Peppers and some “exciting innovation in the berry category,” Bonfiglio said.
For Gambles, a full-service produce distributor offering a broad range of products and services to retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors across Canada, CPMA is an opportunity to connect and collaborate.
“CPMA brings the best of the produce industry together under one roof,” Tom Kioussis, vice president, sales, marketing and category management, told The Packer. “This show allows us the opportunity to meet with customers, vendors and growers, concentrating our efforts on personal connections and collaborations to strengthen our industry relationships.”
Kioussis says Gambles now services all markets across Canada from coast to coast, supplying product from two centralized distribution centers in Toronto and Calgary. To learn more, visit booth No. 745.
Canadian company Equifruit is looking forward to sharing its story of Fairtrade-certified bananas at booth No. 1151.
“Equifruit’s key message to retail buyers is that it’s never too late to revisit your banana strategy,” says Kim Chackal, director sales and marketing. “We’ve seen the appetite for Fairtrade-certified bananas grow and we’re here to help [retailers] market and merchandise in a way that will excite customers.”
DelFrescoPure is another Canadian company ready to connect at CPMA.
“It is important to be at CPMA because it allows us a chance to connect with our customers and showcase our premium greenhouse grown produce,” says DelFrescoPure Marketing Manager Sonia Klinger. “We are proud to be a Canadian company and are committed to servicing our backyard so it’s important to showcase our commodities.”
The DelFrescoPure team will be at booth No. 621.
Sustainability, tech and innovation
“Attending CPMA is a must for anyone in the produce industry,” said Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales for Red Sun Farms. “It’s a hub of innovation, networking and education, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders, discover the latest trends and technologies, and gain valuable insights to drive business growth.
“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, CPMA provides a dynamic [venue] for meaningful discussions and connections,” Paivarinta continued.
Red Sun Farms plans to showcase its Tatayoyo peppers in collaboration with its Canadian partners, along with the debut of Sweetpops in the Canadian market.
“Sweetpops has revolutionized snacking tomato standards in the U.S., and we are excited to introduce this new favorite to Canadian consumers,” he said. “This variety offers an explosion of flavor in a snack-sized tomato.”
Paivarinta says Red Sun Farms will also showcase the development of technologies that its team has been working on. Visit with the Red Sun Farms team at booth No. 1015
“The CPMA show is an important show for Gwillimdale Farms because it provides a platform for us to showcase our root vegetables, network with industry professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the produce market,” said Courtney Walker, marketing manager for Gwillimdale Farms. “It allows us the opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders in the industry.”
This year Gwillimdale Farms is headed to Vancouver (booth No. 831) ready to share the story behind its new line of No. 2 potatoes: Gwilly’s Second Best.
“Potatoes grow in all shapes and sizes naturally. At Gwillimdale Farms, we continuously invest in innovations to ensure that every fresh, tasty and nutritious potato isn’t wasted,” Walker told The Packer. “Grade 2 potatoes may be bumpy or blemished, but you can trust that they’ll taste great when you see them packed with our name.
“Our goal is to help reduce food waste and make imperfect produce acceptable at retail,” she added.
Crawford Packaging looks forward to showing retailers how the company combines packaging performance with sustainability.
“We are looking to demonstrate that through our innovative packaging solutions, we can help retailers meet their sustainability goals without compromising on the efficiency and effectiveness of their packaging needs,” said Stuart Jackson, vice president of produce packaging. “The packaging solutions we will present aim to exemplify our commitment to supporting the industry’s shift toward more sustainable packaging options.”
At booth No. 127, Crawford Packaging plans to introduce several new products, including the newly designed RGDMAPE VR6 Genio S machine, specifically engineered for packaging three peppers in a row.
Additionally, Jackson says the company will showcase a range of innovative options for other produce like tomatoes, blueberries and cucumbers, including equipment and options in paper, PE, rPET, fiber and compostable materials, as well as its Modified Atmosphere Packaging.
‘Changing the flavor of fresh’
“CPMA is an opportunity for our team to highlight our uniquely local opportunities with our Canadian retailers and partners — helping to support and drive the Canadian economy,” said Matt Quiring, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nature Fresh Farms.
The greenhouse grower plans to feature its Sweet S’naps peppers in five colors; sustainably grown Greenhouse Berries; Ombre Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine; and Hiiros Tomatoes. Visit Nature Fresh Farms at booth No. 823.'
“Changing the flavor of fresh continues to be a driving force for Nature Fresh Farms,” Quiring said. “We believe through greenhouse innovation we can develop new offerings and provide the market with higher-flavor, higher-quality produce year-round while doing so sustainably and with long-term food security in mind.”
What are you looking forward to at this year’s CPMA?
“Getting face-to-face time with industry peers first and foremost,” said Dino Dilaudo of Topline Farms. “We do a lot of business in Canada with many different partners and it’s not often that everyone is under the same roof at the same time. We place great value on these in-person meetings, as they often lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations.”
At CPMA 2024, Dilaudo says Topline plans to demonstrate to retailers and partners its latest advancements, including increased output capacity through the expansion of its greenhouse acreage.
“With most of our greenhouses now equipped with lights, we’ve reduced the seasonality aspect of our business even further,” Dilaudo told The Packer. “It’s crucial for us to showcase our ability to supply higher volumes of greenhouse produce and highlight improvements in our distribution capacity, including the expansion of our truck fleet.”
Topline is also looking forward to showcasing its Grab N’ Go snacking tomatoes, samples of which will be available for tasting at its booth No. 1531 and the Healthy Break Area.
