CPMA celebrates 2023 award winners — and trade show history
The 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show held April 26-27 in Toronto was the association's biggest show in its history. Don’t believe us? Here’s a bird’s eye view of the CPMA event by the numbers, according to a news release:
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Over 4,200 people attended the 2023 CPMA show.
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The 637 exhibitors from over 300 companies accounted for 63,700 square feet of booth space on the trade show floor.
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Exhibitors included 158 international organizations from 11 countries, 159 Canadian exhibitors and 50 first-time exhibitors.
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Exhibitors donated 49,473 pounds of their leftover produce to Second Harvest and Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank.
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The 2023 New Product Showcase included 69 products from 49 different companies.
“We were thrilled to welcome both Canadian and international produce industry members back to Toronto after six years,” Ron Lemaire, CPMA president, said in the release. “This year’s event was a huge success attracting the highest number of registrants and attendees exceeding all our past shows. This turnout illustrates the important role our show plays providing the industry with exceptional opportunities for education, networking, socializing, innovation and business development, as members showcase produce from across the world.”
CPMA 2024 is planned for April 23-25, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The following individuals and companies earned honors at this year’s CPMA event, according to the release:
CPMA leadership awards
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Fresh Health Award — Mucci Farms.
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Lifetime Achievement Award — Sam Silvestro.
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The Packer’s Produce Person of the Year Award — Mario Masellis, Catania Worldwide.
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Young Professional Award – Greg Palmer, Loblaw Cos. Ltd.
Related: Mario Masellis named Canadian Produce Person of the Year
Best Booth Awards
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Best Island Booth Award — EarthFresh.
New Product Showcase Awards
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Best New Product Award — Yoom tomatoes by Nature Fresh Farms.
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Best Snackable Product Award — Boost Bento and Bliss Bento by Naturipe Farms.
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Packaging Innovation Award — Closed baskets for fresh produce by Cascades.
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Organics Award — Queen of Greens by Mastronardi Produce.
Related: Seen and heard at 2023 CPMA Show — Part 1
Related: Seen and heard at 2023 CPMA Show — Part 2
Related: Seen and heard at 2023 CPMA Show — Part 3
Related: Seen and heard at 2023 CPMA Show — Part 4
Related: Seen and heard at 2023 CPMA Show — Part 5
