The 100th Annual Convention and Trade Show of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) commenced in Montreal on April 9th. This milestone event marked a century of excellence for the organization, making it a truly special occasion. The venue for the convention, The Palais des congrès, is conveniently located at the north end of Old Montreal, within walking distance of hotels and restaurants. Despite the cold weather and snow, some attendees were caught off guard and had to purchase winter jackets to navigate the surroundings.
The program kicked off with a Delegate Breakfast, followed by a Delegate Lunch where CPMA President Ron Lemaire delivered his State of the Industry Address. In his speech, Lemaire emphasized the need for the produce industry to move beyond resilience and focus on transformation amidst global challenges. This was followed by a conversation between Davis Yung of Fresh Direct Produce and Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarket, Canada’s largest Asian grocery store chain. T&T has seen significant growth, expanding from Vancouver to Ontario and Quebec, and even opening a store in the U.S. in Bellevue, WA.
The trade show floor opened at 1:30 pm, featuring over 325 companies showcasing their latest products and services. Danelle Huber of CMI Orchards expressed excitement about connecting with Canadian industry colleagues and highlighted the positive response to their booth at the event. Additionally, 48 companies participated in the New Product Showcase, focusing on product innovations, packaging, and organic offerings. The luncheon featured the announcement of four product winners, including Bolthouse Fresh Foods for their Carrot Shakers, Mucci Farms for their Organic Sun Drops Grape Tomatoes, Mastronardi Produce for their Backyard Farms Green Leaf Lettuce, and Highline Mushrooms for their Sizzlin Hot New Stuffed Mushrooms.
The second day of the event will commence with an Awards Brunch in the morning, followed by an afternoon trade show session. This provides attendees with ample opportunities to network, explore new products, and stay informed about the latest trends in the produce industry.
Overall, the CPMA’s 100th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Montreal is a testament to the organization’s longstanding commitment to promoting excellence and innovation in the Canadian produce market. As industry leaders gather to celebrate this milestone event, they are not only reflecting on past achievements but also looking towards the future with a focus on transformation and growth. The event serves as a valuable platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange, fostering a vibrant and dynamic produce industry in Canada and beyond.
