Lively first day at CPMA Montreal

CPMA's Annual Convention and Trade Show kicked off in Montreal yesterday, April 9. It's the organization's 100th anniversary, making this year's event extra special. The conference center, The Palais des congrès, is located at the north end of Old Montreal with hotels and restaurants all being in walking distance. Not all attendees were prepared to walk the cold weather and snow, forcing some to go out and buy winter jackets.

The program started with a Delegate Breakfast, followed by a Delegate Lunch where CPMA President Ron Lemaire delivered his State of the Industry Address. Last year, Lemaire discussed the resilience of the fresh produce sector amid global challenges. "We can no longer be resilient," he said in yesterday's speech. "The produce industry needs to take control in going from resilience to transformation." His presentation was followed by Davis Yung of Fresh Direct Produce interviewing Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarket, Canada's largest Asian grocery store chain. T&T started in Vancouver, opened a number of stores in Ontario and expanded into Quebec more recently. In 2024, the chain opened its first store in the U.S., in Bellevue, WA. While the company still operates independently, it was purchased by Loblaw's in 2009.

Trade show and New Product Showcase
At 1:30 pm, the trade show floor opened. More than 325 companies were ready to welcome (potential) customers in their booths and show their latest product introductions. "It was great connecting with our friends in Canada," says Danelle Huber of CMI Orchards. "We're positive about the traffic to our booth and everyone is excited about CPMA's 100th anniversary."

A total of 48 companies participated in the New Product Showcase, focusing on product innovations as well as innovations in packaging and organic. Four product winners were announced during the luncheon.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods won the award for Best Snackable Product with their Carrot Shakers.

Mucci Farms' Organic Sun Drops Grape Tomatoes won the award for Best Organic Product.

Mastronardi Produce won the Packaging Innovation Award with their Backyard Farms Green Leaf Lettuce.

The Best New Product Award went to Highline Mushrooms for their Sizzlin Hot New Stuffed Mushrooms.

© Marieke Hemmes | FreshPlaza.com
Today, the program will start with an Awards Brunch in the morning, followed by an afternoon trade show.