VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Sustainability was a hot topic with numerous exhibitors at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show, April 23-25
Chiquita's Ralph Petrungaro and Tina Varjabedian (far right) discussed the evolution of Chiquita to a farm-forward business that has invested in rejuvenating farms, infrastructure and owning all of its own vessels to deliver a quality product and service.
Sustainability was front and center at the Chiquita booth, where the discussion turned to the banana company's Yelloway Intiative, the goal of which is producing bananas that are resistant to both pathogenic diseases and environmental threats.
Chiquita is synonymous with the women's empowerment movement, said Chiquita's Tina Varjabedian.
“It's unique that a woman has been the face of a major company for all these years,” she said.
Chiquita also showed off its new branded banana merchandising display unit that allows for cross-merchandising of cereal, nuts, pineapple and more.
“It's great for encouraging cross-category consumption," said Varjabedian. A video component of the display unit brings to life the banana's journey from the tropics to the U.S., she added.
Mucci Farms' Ajit Saxena holds the company's Canadian Produce Marketing Association 2024 Packaging Innovation Award and the packaging for which the greenhouse grower won the honor.
Mucci Farms highlighted its Savorries Sweet Strawberry Tomato line.
“It's a very versatile tomato,” said Ajit Saxena. Mucci Farms also celebrated winning the Canadian Produce Marketing Association 2024 Packaging Innovation Award for its sustainable mesh bags made of paper and bamboo.
Shown from left are Gwillimdale Farms' Cristina Hambly and Alexa Hambly at the CPMA Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver.
“CPMA is a great opportunity to connect with everyone,” said Gwillimdale Farms' Alexa Hambly.
At the booth, the company showcased its Gwilly's Second Best line of No. 2 potatoes that were also featured in the new products showcase.
Shown from left, Katie Manetti and Chris Christian of the California Strawberry Commission talk sustainability at CPMA.
“This year we're focused on sustainability,” said Chris Christian of the California Strawberry Commission. “The California strawberry industry [members] are pioneers in drip irrigation and integrated pest management.”
Shown from left are Natalia Merienne, Claudia Escalante and Eddie Martinez of Avocado Queen at CPMA 2024.
“We're a minority, Mexican-American, woman-owned importer. We're here to find opportunities in Canada,” said Natalia Merienne of Avocado Queen, who added CPMA was the company's first international trade show.
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