CPMA celebrates a century

This year marks a momentous one for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association as it celebrates its centennial anniversary. The 100th anniversary will be a key theme of the association's annual CPMA Convention and Trade Show 2025, say organizers of the event to be held April 8-10 at the Palais de Congrés in Montreal.

Since 1925, through a focus on growth, innovation and collaboration, CPMA says it has consistently served as a vital force, advancing the interests of its members and fostering a thriving, sustainable industry.

As CPMA marks 100 years of achievements, its goal is to “continue the journey towards sustainable success now and in the future as the solution space for the produce industry,” the association says.

Leading up to its anniversary year, CPMA dug into its archives to find photos and other memorabilia that tell the rich story of Canada's produce industry. CPMA also invited its members to submit old and new photos on a special website designed to mark the occasion at cpma100.ca.

The website also takes a look back at CPMA's legacy, from key milestones and innovations to the planting and growing of fruits and vegetables over the years.

“The Canadian produce industry, led by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, has undergone significant transformations over the past 100 years, driven by various innovations that have improved efficiency, sustainability and food safety,” says the CPMA website. “By staying at the forefront of innovation, the Canadian produce industry will continue to thrive and meet the needs of consumers worldwide.”

As the fresh produce industry prepares to gather this April, here's a preview what some exhibitors are looking forward to sharing most in Montreal.

Oppy

“CPMA's 100-year anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate the innovation and partnerships that drive our industry forward, and we couldn't be more excited to be part of it,” said Oppy Canadian Sales Manager Myles Coueffin. “We have an incredible lineup of standout brands like Sun Grape, Envy, Divemex, Ocean Spray, Zespri, OriginO, Pink Cosmo and Hunkaberry.”

Coueffin says Oppy will also showcase offerings including baby leafy greens from UP Vertical Farms and hydroponic strawberries from Happy Berry.

Oppy invites attendees to visit at booth No. 701, where the company plans to launch “something very special at the show,” said Coueffin, who adds that Oppy produce items will be featured on the menu at the annual awards banquet night on April 10.

Mucci Farms

“This year in Montreal, we're excited to showcase our Senza Seedless Sweet Peppers and Linerless Label packaging, two innovations that redefine convenience and sustainability,” said Stephen Cowan, senior director of sales for Mucci Farms. “The seedless pepper offers a hassle-free snacking experience.”

Mucci Farms also plans to showcase its Linerless Label series that eliminates plastic entirely, “addressing a top-of-mind industry concern,” said Cowan.

“As we continue to develop cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions, we look forward to working with retailers to bring more of this packaging to store shelves,” he continued. “We also have another new item that I can't talk about just yet, but the public will know more soon.”

Florida Tomato Committee

With Canada representing an important market for Florida tomatoes, the team from the Florida Tomato Committee is headed to Montreal to connect with customers.

“Canada represents Florida tomatoes' largest export market, accounting for over $47 million in sales in 2023,” said Robert Guenther, general manager of the Florida Tomato Committee. “It is the one show that we can engage directly with our customers. Given the current trade climate, it is more important than ever to have direct conversations with our partners in Canada.”

Naturipe Farms

Naturipe Farms expects sustainable packaging to be a hot topic at CPMA.

“We're most excited to feature our heat-sealed clamshells; they're an approach to sustainable packaging that we've worked hard to perfect,” said Ashley Finster, vice president of marketing for Naturipe Farms. “By using a thinner, heat-sealed top on clamshells, we reduce the plastic being used, resulting in a more eco-conscious package overall. It's something that Canadian consumers expect, and we're hoping to see other companies follow this trend.”

Topline Farms

“Our Topline Farms team is excited to be back in Montreal for the CPMA Convention and Trade Show,” said Chris Veillon, vice president of marketing for Topline Farms.

“This year, one of our product focuses is roma tomatoes and our ‘Roma Revolution' promotional campaign,” he said.

With an intense focus on surety of supply, Veillon said Topline Farms is “leveraging technology with lit culture to ensure a consistent, year-round supply of Canadian-grown Roma tomatoes.”

Topline Farms is strategically adding acreage season over season to meet the increased demand throughout North America, Veillon says.

The Canadian greenhouse grower looks forward to sharing its SanZano roma program with attendees at CPMA.

“The popularity of our SanZano Roma program is providing increased opportunities at retail with new packaging options,” said Veillon. “Stop by booth No. 1715 to learn more.”

Gambles Produce

As Gambles Produce, which services all markets across Canada, has its sights set on expansion into the U.S., CPMA is an opportunity for the produce wholesaler to connect with a broader audience, says Gamble's Tom Kioussis.

“We're able to service customers coast to coast, suppling them with product from two centralized distribution centers in Toronto and Calgary,” he said. “Along with this expansion, we're excited to offer more of our Go Fresh branded products to our customers.”

Gambles will exhibit at booth No. 709.

Del Fresco Pure

Del Fresco Pure looks forward to spotlighting its greenhouse-grown produce at the CPMA show.

“The product we're most excited about is the introduction of our organic English seedless cucumber — a new addition to our family organic products,” said Ray Mastronardi, vice president of sales for Del Fresco Pure. “Our organic seedless English cucumbers are a testament to our dedication to producing exceptional greenhouse-grown vegetables. We are committed to providing our customers with nutritious and delicious produce that meets the highest standards of organic, greenhouse-grown produce.”

Pure Flavor

Canadian greenhouse grower Pure Flavor plans to highlight its new Rocco Reds: The Chef's Tomato at CPMA.

“Attendees can look for fun executions both at our booth No. 733, and at key ‘hot spots' around the show location,” said Matt Mastronardi, executive vice president of Pure Flavor. “This new tomato is bold in flavor, color and in its purpose: to trade consumers up from ‘value' purchases in a large category segment that has not previously seen much meaningful innovation.”

Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc.

Let's talk organics at CPMA 2025, says Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc.

“We are extremely excited to showcase our organic pepper program this year,” said Jeff Richardson, vice president of sales for Great Lakes Greenhouses. “The challenges of growing organic peppers are well known, but Great Lakes Greenhouses took bold action.”

Richardson says last year was a “game-changer” for the company's organic pepper production.

“With many growers struggling to deliver consistent quality organic peppers, our partners were facing a significant shortage,” said Richardson, adding that “many farmers had opted out of harvesting altogether.”

Great Lakes Greenhouses shifted its 28-acre production to focus exclusively on organic peppers.

“The response from our partners was overwhelming — they welcomed the increased yields and were grateful for our role in filling the void,” Richardson said.

“Building on this success, we're excited to launch a range of new packs this year to meet growing consumer demand for diverse packaging options,” he continued. “Our ability to provide a genuine organic green pepper enables us to offer the popular stoplight pack that our partners have been asking for.”

Mastronardi Produce

Canadian greenhouse grower Mastronardi Produce says the company looks forward to featuring the newest addition to its popular Bombs lineup: Bombs Squad.

“As the demand for greenhouse-grown on-the-vine tomatoes continues to grow, Bombs Squad presents a thrilling trio of distinct Bombs tomato varieties packaged together,” the company said.

The tomato medley can be used to add flavor and texture to salads, charcuterie boards, or enjoyed alone as a flavorful snack. This three-variety assortment showcases a range of flavors and vivid colors in one convenient package.

This year, Mastronardi Produce is also excited to feature Campari tomatoes, which are celebrating 30 years. Campari tomatoes were the first tomatoes to be branded by Mastronardi Produce and they remain a staple, the company says.

Mastronardi Produce says it will celebrate the milestone with merchandising programs, ad campaigns and consumer promotions.