The Packer’s 2020 Canadian Produce Person of the Year award will be presented at noon Eastern on Oct. 22 to Oleen Smethurst, assistant vice president and general merchandise manager for Costco Wholesale Canada.
The Packer presents the award each year to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the produce industry. The Packer has been presenting this award for 47 years.
In 2020, Fyffes North America vice president of sales Les Mallard received The Packer’s Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award during the Canadian Produce Marketing Association convention.
Tom Karst, editor of The Packer, will present the award virtually to Smethurst, who was nominated for the award based on her role in sustainability and innovation in the produce industry’s packaging initiatives.
Beyond her contribution to packaging innovation, Smethurst also insists on flavor in new product development for Costco, said Mike Orsini, president of Montreal-based Bercy Foods inc., which is affiliated with to the Courchesne Larose Group.
“Hats off to her! She truly deserves great recognition in the produce industry!” he said.
Watch the presentation of the award at noon Eastern on Oct. 22.
Fyffes VP named Canadian Produce Person of the Year
