Canadian Produce Marketing Association Wraps Up its Final Calgary Show

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 91st Annual Convention & Trade Show was a great success, say show organizers. Over 2,500 representatives from across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain attended the event, which was held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada April 12-14.

The event was the CPMA’s final trade show in Calgary, and it attracted a vast new audience including local chefs, restauranteurs and floral. There were representatives from 18 different countries in attendance, demonstrating the international flavor of the industry, organizers say.

“The CPMA was proud to host such a successful show, and welcome more participants to our Calgary show than ever before,” says Ron Lemaire, president of CPMA. “With 431 exhibit spaces and over 231 companies represented, we were honored to host a vibrant and diverse show filled with consistent traffic on the show floor. 

"Our street team went out into restaurants around Calgary and brought chefs and restauranteurs to the show which was really refreshing," Lemaire adds. "From the business sessions and learning lounges to social events, we were pleased to deliver a cutting edge business program combined with extensive learning and networking opportunities.”

CPMA’s overall program welcomes a diversity of delegates and exhibitors who are active within the Canadian fruit and vegetable marketplace, and offers a distinctive blend of business, networking, development and educational opportunities, while attracting a wide variety of attendees, organizers add. 

During the event, CPMA recognized industry leaders with awards on and off the show floor. 

As part of the Convention program, awards were given to industry leaders for their ongoing commitment to the produce industry in Canada—and the overall health of Canadians. 

The Fresh Health Award was presented to BC Fresh. This award is presented to a company that has gone above and beyond in promoting the Half Your Plate program and/or the Freggie Children’s Program, aligning with the CPMA’s goal to increase the consumption of fresh produce in Canada for better health.

The Mary Fitzgerald Award was presented to Jennifer Harris. The Mary FitzGerald Award is given to someone who has the same passion and dedication for the produce industry as Mary demonstrated throughout her career. This year the award was presented to Jennifer Harris of Mid-Aisle Farms. 

The CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Byttynen. This award honors an individual who has been recognized by their peers for their significant contribution in the produce industry throughout their career and for their continuous support of CPMA activities and industry initiatives. CPMA’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Byttynen formerly of Thomas Fresh.  

As part of the Trade Show program, awards were given to recognize outstanding trade show exhibitors and product innovations. 

The most Creative Booth Award was presented to Peak of the Market. In order to recognize exhibitors for their efforts in creating outstanding displays and providing high-quality experience to Trade Show visitors. This year the award was presented to the booth that demonstrated the most creative display of fresh produce.

The Freggie Approved Product Award was presented to Mucci Farms. This new award recognizes an exhibitor, who is participating in the New Product Showcase, for their innovative product designed for children. The award was presented to Mucci Farms for their Smuccies sweet greenhouse grown strawberries.

The Best New Product Award was resented to Highline Mushrooms. This year’s New Product Showcase Award was given to Highline Mushrooms for their Select Blends. The packaged blends come in three varieties: Pasta Perfect, Steakhouse and Sizzling Stir Fry. 

The CPMA’s 92nd Annual Convention and Trade Show will take place in Toronto from May 9-11, 2017. The theme for 2017 is We Are Produce and members of the industry are encouraged to learn more at www.weareproduce.com.