The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has named Greg Palmer as its vice president of trade and market development — a newly created role intended to strengthen the association’s membership offerings and expand into new markets domestically and beyond Canada, according to a news release.
Palmer has held roles with major retailers in Canada, and CPMA says his retail experience is well positioned to support the association’s membership in its efforts to build the Canadian marketplace.
“We are excited to welcome Greg to our team,” CPMA President Ron Lemaire said in the release. “His expertise in produce procurement, quality control, food safety and his involvement in our industry make him an invaluable addition to our sales support and trade development team.”
CPMA says Palmer is passionate about advancing the produce industry and deeply involved in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. He has served on several boards and committees including the Greenhouse Vegetables Industry Advisory Committee in 2022, CPMA’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Working Group in 2022, and currently, the Ontario Produce Marketing Association Young Professional Network Committee.
Palmer also has participated in programs that support young professionals pursuing careers in produce, such as CPMA’s Passion for Produce in 2022, the International Fresh Produce Association’s Emerging Leaders in 2022 and the IFPA Young Leaders class of 2023.
His involvement in the industry has earned honors, including CPMA’s Young Professional Award in 2023 and IFPA’s Emerging Leaders Program Participant and High Performance Award, the release said.
CPMA says Palmer will join its team July 15.