Photo report CPMA Montreal

Last week, from April 8-10, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) organized their annual convention and trade show. This year, it was Montreal's turn. More than 325 companies exhibited on a sold-out trade show floor and CPMA's 100th anniversary made the event extra special. "It was great connecting with our friends in Canada," says Danelle Huber of CMI Orchards.

Tariffs were the major conversation subject and while there are currently no tariffs on Canadian produce entering the United States, some U.S. attendees mentioned they were nervous coming to Canada. Once at the show, they felt relieved as the Canadians were very friendly. However, there is a clear trend of Canadian consumers having a strong presence for locally grown produce due to the tensions of the past few months. Canadian growers and shippers are taking it as an opportunity to add a maple leaf to their packaging or use other ways to make clear product was grown in Canada. At his State of the Industry Address, CPMA President Ron Lemaire brought up that it could be a long time before the Canadian consumer is ready to buy American produce again.

The trade show was held during the afternoons of April 9 and 10. The first afternoon was very busy with lots of buyers walking the show floor in addition to general attendees. While the second day was less busy, there was more time for in-depth conversations. Out of a total of 325 exhibitors, 188 were represented by Canada and 127 exhibitors were international. The large majority of international exhibitors came from the United States. In addition, Mexico was present with a Mexico Pavilion.

Click here to see the photo report from the show.

Trends
A total of 48 companies participated in the New Product Showcase. Just like recent years, there were a number of new, sustainable packaging options on display. Mastronardi Produce won the Packaging Innovation Award with their Backyard Farms Green Leaf Lettuce. Several new greenhouse grown products were introduced as well as some convenient products, focused on the snacking segment. The Award for Best Snackable Product went to Bolthouse Fresh Foods for their Carrot Shakers. Mucci Farms won the award for Best Organic Product with their Organic Sun Drops Grape Tomatoes and the Best New Product Award went to Highline Mushrooms for their Sizzlin Hot New Stuffed Mushrooms.

Click here to see the photo report from the show.

Next year, CPMA will be back in Toronto, Ontario and will be held from April 28-30, 2026.