Industry ready to come together at 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show

The produce world will gather for the 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, set for April 25-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Ontario.
The produce world will gather for the 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, set for April 25-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Ontario.
(Photo courtesy of Canadian Produce Marketing Association)

From the latest in greenhouse innovation to smarter packaging to fresh produce snacking to partying with fair trade banana enthusiasts and much more, the 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention and Trade Show, April 25-27, is ready to rock the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Ontario.

Canada’s largest event dedicated exclusively to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, CPMA’s annual showcase draws thousands of participants representing the entire fresh produce supply chain — and this year is expected to be no different.

“CPMA is not only important to our company but also the industry as a whole,” Lisa D’Ambrosio, marketing manager for the Gambles Group of Companies, told The Packer. “It’s the one time in the year that brings together the best in the produce industry and the organizations that support it. It allows us to connect and promote our distinct differences, as well a come together in a form of healthy competition that makes us all better at what we do.”

Here’s a closer look at what some of the hundreds of exhibitors at this year’s CPMA Convention and Trade Show have on tap for Toronto:

In addition to showcasing the three companies of which the Gambles Group of Companies is comprised, Gambles also plans to feature its recently launched packaging for its three SKUs of onions under the Go Fresh brand at booth No. 913.

If a team clad in matching jumpsuits and yellow Crocs whose mascot is a 6-foot shark is your vibe, swing by for a chat about fair trade bananas with Equifruit.

“CPMA is an important show for Equifruit because we were founded in Canada and serve many customers here,” said Kim Chackal, director of sales and marketing. “It’s a chance for us to look our customers in the eye and thank them for supporting our business and contributing to improving the lives and communities of our grower partners in the global south. Together, we are working towards global fair trade banana domination.

“You should visit booth 1039 if you’re ready to party and take your banana program into the 21st century,” Chackal added.

For others, like the Florida Tomato Committee at booth No. 139, CPMA 2023 is a chance to reconnect.

“We haven’t exhibited at CPMA since 2019, so we are excited about being back in Toronto,” said the Florida Tomato Committee’s Michael Schadler. “There is always an abundant supply of greenhouse tomatoes in the Canadian market, so we’re looking forward to talking to Canadian buyers about field-grown tomatoes and how they can add value to the grocery category, and why they continue to be the best option for foodservice operators.”

The Florida Tomato Committee also plans on making the pitch to Canadian foodservice and culinary professionals on why Florida tomatoes are such a great fit for restaurant kitchens, added Schadler.

Pacific Northwest fruit grower Sage Fruit, at booth No. 644, is looking to build new relationships for upcoming crops and connect with Canadian retail and wholesale partners, said Sage Fruit’s Consumer Marketing Director Kaci Komstadius.

“We’re excited to be showcasing the newest club varieties available to retailers, including Cosmic Crisp and SugarBee apples at this year’s CPMA,” Komstadius told The Packer. “In addition to apples, we are eager to begin the planning process and to build strong cherry programs with our Canadian partners — cherry season is right around the corner.”

At plant-based dip company Mother Raw’s booth, it will be all brainstorming collaborations and checking out new innovations, says CEO Kristi Knowles.

“We always look forward to connecting in person with our customers and supporters of Mother Raw and taking time to share our stories and understand their needs in person,” Knowles added.

A presentation during the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's 2022 convention and trade show.
Show is a presentation during the 2022 CPMA convention and trade show. (Photo courtesy of Canadian Produce Marketing Association)

At the DelFrescoPure booth No. 839, it’s all about the Euro Bean, which is back by “popular demand,” says Vice President of Sales Ray Mastronardi.

The long and lean DelFrescoPure greenhouse-grown Euro Bean is back and a “heavy favorite in the product lineup,” he says.

Like green beans — and in the same family as the string bean — the DelFrescoPure Euro Bean is crispy with a sweet flavor profile. It can be steamed, stewed, sauteed or microwaved until tender. The versatile vegetable can be served as an appetizer, added to soups or eaten cold as a side salad.

DelFrescoPure says it’s also excited to show off its new Organic Mini Cucumber packaging.

Aiming to share its efforts to help create “prosperous, healthy and environmentally sustainable farming communities,” Dole plans to host fair trade growers of certified Dole Bananas and Pineapple at booth No. 921.

Dole encourages attendees to visit its booth and speak directly with farmers on the investments and commitments Dole makes in putting “much-needed funds in the hands of producers, farm workers and their communities,” said Dole’s William Goldfield.

On the product side, Dole will spotlight its newest chopped salad kits recently released in Canada, including Everything Caesar, Crunchy Taco, Chophouse Crunch, and Hibachi Miso as well as the launch of its new artisan-grown, limited-supply Dole Golden Selection Pineapple.

For Mastronardi, CPMA is an important show because it allows DelFrescoPure to connect with its Canadian customer base. “We are proud to be a Canadian company and are committed to servicing our backyard,” he said.

Courtney Enns, marketing manager for the Ontario-based Gwillimdale Farms, is also eager to welcome the fresh produce industry to her own backyard for CPMA 2023.

“CPMA is a crucial show for our company because it allows Gwillimdale to market products in front of all the fresh produce industry,” Enns told The Packer. “It’s a chance for us to connect with the industry and grow our market. We are very proud to be members and sponsors of CPMA and are looking forward to having the show locally in Toronto in only a few weeks.”

As a grower-packer-shipper, Gwillimdale plans to feature a variety of its root vegetable programs, including those for premium-quality carrots, potatoes, onions, beets and parsnips.

“We pride ourselves on providing top-quality root vegetables 365 days a year, with tailored programs to meet our customers’ needs,” said Enns, who invites attendees to visit booth No. 520 to experience what she calls, “The Gwillimdale Difference.”

Nature Fresh Farms greenhouse-grown strawberries
Nature Fresh Farms' greenhouse-grown strawberries will be one of the items featured at its booth. (Photo courtesy of Nature Fresh Farms)

Showcasing snackable fruits and veggies

Visitors to Nature Fresh Farms’ booth No. 1320 will find a host of snack solutions, including Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies. Available in 4-ounce varieties including Medley Tomatoes, Tiny Cocktail Cucumbers and Mini Sweet Peppers, Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies grab-and-go snack bags include a three-pack of collectable stickers, plus a kid-friendly game such as a word search, maze or crossword puzzle with every package.

“With their convenient grab-and-go and easily portioned options, Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies is the healthy, tasty and convenient go-to choice for busy families,” Nature Fresh Farms Vice President Marketing and Category Development Jane Rhyno told The Packer.

Rhyno says Nature Fresh Farms will also feature its Yoom Tomatoes, a two-bite, deep purple tomato that is full of flavor, as well as its greenhouse-grown strawberries, which require 70% less water to cultivate compared to field berries.

“This year we are focused on ‘Changing the Flavor of Fresh,’ Rhyno continued. “Highlighting how through greenhouse innovation we are developing new offerings and providing the market with higher flavor, higher quality produce year-round while doing so sustainability and with long-term food security in mind.”

Snacking is also on deck for Naturipe at booth No. 1201.

“We aren’t necessarily showcasing new products, but rather spotlighting some of our customer’s favorites like Naturipe Snack’s delicious bento products, which offer a convenient and healthy grab-and-go snack,” Naturipe’s Vice President of Marketing, CarrieAnn Arias, told The Packer.

Naturipe’s portable, bento snack line features bite-sized fresh fruit alongside pairings such as granola, nuts and cheese.

“We are bringing a big team and can’t wait to reconnect with everyone,” Arias added. “This will be the first year where we are back in full force, as last year there was still some lingering travel hesitation.”

Related news: Engaging the Canadian mosaic: Q&A with CPMA’s Ron Lemaire

In addition to sharing its line of greenhouse-grown produce at the 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show, Windset Farms, at booth No. 1621, is spotlighting Yoom cocktail tomatoes on the vine — a greenhouse grown, non-GMO cocktail tomato, said Randi Church, marketing manager for Windset Farms.

“Showcasing and sampling our natural, greenhouse-grown produce is always a highlight, however, attending the various events and business sessions are also an important and informative part of the week we wouldn’t want to miss,” Church said.

Ontario-based Westmoreland and Topline Farms is eager to witness the buzziest trends and innovations in the industry and make connections in Toronto this April.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet or catch up with other professionals from across the industry under one roof,” Westmoreland and Topline Farms’ Lidheta Sentanu told The Packer.

This year, the greenhouse grower anticipates showing off its new snacking tomato line along with Apeel-protected mini cucumbers at booth No. 709. Adding to Topline’s Apeel-coated long English cucumbers, the edible, plant-based coating extends shelf life of mini cucumbers without using plastic.

“With sustainability increasingly on consumer’s minds, we’re excited to partner with Apeel again on this product to work towards a more sustainable food system, using new technology,” Sentanu said.

Promoting packaging innovations

Fruit labeling producer, Accu-Label is looking forward to showcasing its new composting paper PLU labels at booth No. 307, says General Manager and Vice President of Sales Rod Baeini.

“We’re looking forward to meeting all customers to show them our full capabilities, [including] explaining the benefits of our current Plastic-Free Paper PLU solution as well as our compostable options,” Baeini told The Packer.

Showcasing sustainable packing innovations is top of mind for Crawford Packaging Vice President of Produce Packaging Stuart Jackson.

“We are introducing a new tray called the GrowPack Net Tray. This is a mesh net design that contains 50% less plastic,” Jackson said. “For growers and processors, you will be able to cool the product approximately 40% faster, which will result in faster product movement to the retailers and a savings in energy.”

Innovative new packaging also will be a highlight at Great Lakes Greenhouses’ booth No. 211.

“We are excited to showcase our new mini cucumber bag that has eliminated the condensation issue,” Jeff Richardson, vice president of sales, told The Packer. “This has been one of the drawbacks on the mini cucumber bag from our partners. We have listened and made some drastic adjustments to our bag.”

Richardson says the packaging improvements include going from five ventilation holes to 13.

“This represents a 160% increase in coverage, [which] has greatly impacted the air flow circulation,” he said. “This has been a gamechanger with respect to the condensation levels. We are seeing almost zero condensation with all our tests.”

Great Lakes Greenhouses also switched to a zipper seal closure system that reduces the levels of oxygen entering the bag.

“The old zip-seal always has difficulty closing, so it never is truly closed altering the oxygen levels,” Richardson said. “This not only increases the condensation levels, but also frustrates guests. The new zipper and perforation holes combined are allowing us to provide a bagging option that delivers what both the retailer and their guests desire.”

He says the company has tripled its weekly packing numbers since the conversion, and the numbers continue to grow.    

In addition to showing off the new packaging, Richardson is also looking forward to face-to-face interaction at CPMA.

“As one of the few remaining family-owned and -operated farms in our industry, we have a lot of partners that want to learn more about our harvest plans and talk about some upcoming commodity changes to better support their programs,” he said. “This is an excellent platform for us to connect with our current partners directly and align on our mutual goals for the year.

“Seeing each other face-to-face is far more impactful for both parties,” he continued. “It is also a great opportunity for us to connect with new potential partners to gain a better understanding of their business models and overall business needs.”

 

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