The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention and Trade Show heads to Toronto this year, set for April 28-30.
It’s a must-attend for those in the fresh produce industry, and as the largest fresh produce event in the country, it bridges the gap between Canada and the global fresh produce market.
“CPMA is where the Canadian produce industry sets its direction,” says Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing and innovation with Fresh Express. “There’s something distinct about CPMA: the speed at which ideas move from concept to commitment. You can walk in with a new idea and walk out with a path to shelf.”
What Sets CPMA Apart
And for Canadian brands, this “home show” is deeply personal. Peppe Bonfiglio, vice president of sales at Mastronardi Produce, says when CPMA comes to Toronto, it’s less of a trade show and more of a reunion with a chance to connect with partners, retailers and industry peers.
“If there’s one thing that makes CPMA truly irreplaceable, it’s that there is no better place to have an honest conversation about the future of fresh produce in Canada,” Bonfiglio says. “CPMA brings together the full ecosystem, growers, retailers, distributors, foodservice operators and innovators, all under one roof, all speaking the same language.”
Jean-Francois “JF” Delorme, IFCO Systems director of retail sales for Canada, says as the show is the largest stage for the Canadian produce industry, it’s almost a one-stop shop when it comes to networking.
“CPMA brings the entire Canadian produce ecosystem together in one place, making it an essential stop for IFCO,” Delorme says. “It gives us direct access to both growers/producers and retailers, while also creating space to discover new ideas, explore innovation and step back through engaging sessions that make you stop, think and grow (pun intended).”
Tiffany Sabelli, vice president of sales for Pure Flavor, says CPMA gives exhibitors a chance to see how new product launches resonate in real-time as retailers engage with the products.
“As a Canadian company, there is added pride in showcasing these innovations at home and seeing them connect so strongly within our own market,” Sabelli says. “The conversations that follow, from merchandising ideas to category growth opportunities, are where real momentum starts, alongside reconnecting with long-standing partners and building new relationships each year.”
Drew Callaghan, senior vice president of retail sales for Grimmway Produce Group, says it’s the relationships, trust and partnership that set the Canadian market apart.
“CPMA creates an environment where those relationships come together in a meaningful way. It’s not just about showcasing products; it’s where conversations turn into action and where you align with customers on how to grow the category together,” he says.
Janis Deschenes, sales manager of retail, wholesale and foodservice for Highline Mushrooms, says CPMA presents an opportunity to align with retail partners and build on shared goals.
“What sets CPMA apart is the level of connection across the Canadian produce industry. It creates space for meaningful conversations — not just around products, but around strategy, growth and where the category is heading,” she says. “It’s also a key moment to highlight investments being made within Canada, from innovation to production.”
Marco Volpi, chief marketing officer for Chiquita, says the show stands out for its strategic focus and level of engagement in the fresh produce industry.
“The Canadian market places a strong emphasis on sustainability, quality and long-term category growth, which makes the discussions and partnerships that come out of the show especially valuable,” he says.
Cristina Di Ielsi, national account manager for Taylor Farms Canada, says it’s that spirit of collaboration and focus on relationships that makes the Canadian market stand out.
“It’s a highly connected industry where retailers, growers and partners come together not just to do business, but to truly build the category together,” she says.
What You’ll See on the Floor
Windset Farms, Booth No. 410
Windset Farms plans to highlight its Aria tomatoes, which offer a vibrant flavor, red finish and refined sweetness. Windset will also showcase its Sweet Brilliance exclusive grape tomato, which the company says won the International Taste Institute Award for its notable sweetness.
Windset also plans to promote its Festiva Cherry Tomato Medley, which features six classic cherry colors, its Snap Stir Fry Cucumbers, which the company says are crisp, tender and versatile, as well as ideal for light sautéing or enjoying raw.
The company will also showcase new additions to its living Delicato Lettuce line with Delicato Green Batavia Lettuce and Delicato Red Batavia Lettuce. Windset plans to promote its Delicato Trio Lettuce, which combines three classics for a fresh, full flavor.
Chef Dustin Gallagher, runner-up on “Top Chef Canada All Stars,” will prepare bite-sized samples made with Windset’s fresh produce.
Ryan Cherry, Windset’s vice president of sales and marketing, says the company will also discuss its Delta, British Columbia expansion. Cherry says construction of another 38 acres of ultra-lit LED production is being completed, with planting occurring this summer.
Cherry says the Delta facility will now house several cucumber and tomato varieties, including Aria tomatoes, Snap Stir Fry Cucumbers to Fresco Cocktail Cucumbers.
“This expansion brings our total lit vegetable cultivation to 86 acres, enabling us to grow year-round in these facilities using the latest sustainable growing techniques,” Cherry says. “For customers, this means fewer food miles, fresher product and year-round availability, all centrally located to our customers.”
North American Produce Buyers Ltd., Booth No. 1601
North American Produce Buyers Ltd. plans to showcase its stone fruit, grapes and citrus offerings.
“We have an amazing supply of the highest quality Peruvian and Chilean import grapes,” says Steven Moffat, vice president of finance.
Stemilt, Booth No. 401
Stemilt plans to promote its kid-sized fruit brand for apples and pears, Little Snappers, Artisan Organics lineup and EZ Bands. Stemilt will showcase conventional apple and pear displays, highlighting Cosmic Crisp, which is a core part of the company’s Canadian program.
Stemilt will also showcase its new packaging for Kyle’s Pick — its premium cherry program — as well as new display bins and merchandising tools.
Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt, says the company continues to evolve its packaging innovations and variety mix. This includes the eco-friendly option of its EZ Band paperboard package for apples and pears.
“As the fruit category experiences robust growth, the Canadian market remains a prime target as their consumption of fruit is higher than the U.S.,” Shales says. “Organics continue to show year-over-year growth among consumers whose purchase decisions are influenced by healthy eating options and environmental concerns. Canada also represents a great opportunity to test new items in the marketplace. Their diversity and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables work favorably in that regard.”
One way that Stemilt has brought sustainability into its offerings is through its EZ Band paperboard package for apples and pears to provide shoppers with an eco-friendly option.
Pure Flavor, Booth No. 1111
Pure Flavor plans to showcase its premium medley of high-flavor snacking tomatoes, Cherry Picked. The company will also spotlight its refreshed brand and packaging at the show. Tiffany Sabelli, vice president of sales, says this new look helps highlight what matters most to Canadian consumers.
“With our new Pure Flavor branding, we are bringing a more cohesive and elevated experience to shelf, making it easier for shoppers to navigate our products while reinforcing quality and consistency,” she says. “At the same time, we are advancing sustainable packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining product freshness and shelf appeal.”
Pure Flavor will also promote its Ontario-Grown Organic program. Sabelli says the program reinforces Pure Flavor’s commitment to locally grown greenhouse produce.
“We continue to expand our greenhouse-grown assortment to deliver consistent, high-quality produce year-round, with new varieties, improved flavor profiles, and formats designed to make everyday eating easier and more enjoyable,” she says.
Ocean Mist Farms, Booth No. 1526
Ocean Mist Farms plans to showcase its premium fresh vegetable line. President and CEO Chris Drew says attending the CPMA show is a great opportunity to connect with the company’s Canadian partners.
“Like Ocean Mist Farms, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association has a long, rich history spanning more than a century,” Drew says. “We’re proud to partner with our fellow CPMA members across Canada who rely on Ocean Mist’s quality and diverse product line to consistently meet consumer demand and to help drive increased fresh fruit and vegetable consumption across the country.”
Equifruit, Booth No. 683
Equifruit will celebrate its 20th year in the banana industry and driving fair-trade impact for banana farmers at the show.
“We’ve declared 2026 officially the Year of the Banana Badass to mark the occasion,” says Kim Chackal, vice president of sales and marketing and co-owner of Equifruit.
The company has also updated its iconic banana cases, which is set to debut at the show.
Chackal says the fair-trade banana market has grown by nearly 300% since 2020, which she says is indicative of Equifruit’s success in its mission, as the higher volume of fair trade purchases means a greater impact for the lives and communities of banana farmers and workers.
“Canadian consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on their values, including ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and health-conscious food choices,” Chackal says. “As a proudly Canadian, 100% Fairtrade, women-owned B Corp, we’re ticking a lot of boxes for Canadian consumers, and they get excited by Equifruit’s story.
“We lean into this with branding that’s impossible to ignore as well as tools like QR codes on our bands and in-store signage, making it easy for consumers to understand the impact of their purchase and engage with our mission,” she continues. “Shoppers want to feel good about what they’re buying, and with Equifruit, they know their dollar is contributing to something meaningful.”
Nature Fresh Farms, Booth No. 1521
Nature Fresh Farms plans to showcase its Devours and Sauci tomatoes. Devours is a premium grape tomato that offers a balanced sweetness, vibrant red color and a juicy bite. Sauci is a premium roma tomato that the company says, “turns a recipe into a tradition.”
Nature Fresh says its 2027 lineup taps into consumers’ interest in snackable, flavorful and convenient produce that is fresh and ready to enjoy.
“Our lineup is built around what today’s Canadian consumer values most: bold flavor, convenience and fresh, snackable produce that fits seamlessly into how people want to eat,” says Amanda Armstrong, vice president of produce and brand strategy.
IFCO Systems, Booth No. 1238
IFCO Systems plans to showcase its reusable packaging containers (RPCs), which come in a wide range of sizes.
Jean-Francois “JF” Delorme, director of retail sales for Canada for IFCO, says the company is evolving alongside Canadian customers as it leans into intelligent reuse, automation and greenhouse growth. Delorme points to IFCO’s development of a reusable greenhouse crate designed for year-round, Canadian-grown commodities.
“Additionally, through our collaboration with the CPMA Sustainability Committee, we actively promote reuse as a higher value solution in the waste hierarchy, achieving real, long-term reductions in carbon emissions and waste in Canada,” Delorme says.
Fresh Express, Booth No. 709
Fresh Express will be showcasing its newest globally inspired Chopped Salad Kits, including Creamy Mushroom Caesar and Italian Herb and Parmesan.
Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing and innovation with Fresh Express, says these introductions reflect how Canadian consumers are more health-conscious, adventurous but still looking for speed and simplicity.
“Canada is one of the most forward-thinking produce markets in the world, and our 2027 pipeline reflects that,” Pereira says. “We’re building around two realities shaping the Canadian landscape: Sustainability is no longer optional, and meals are replacing side salads.”
Pereira says Fresh Express has evolved its packaging to balance freshness, shelf life and environmental responsibility to meet Canadian consumers’ expectations. He says Fresh Express has focused on creating complete, flavor-forward kits that feel like a meal.
Fresh Express plans to welcome Antoni Porowski to its booth during the show. Porowski will sign copies of his book, “Let’s Do Dinner.”
“Antoni isn’t just a global culinary figure; he’s Canadian, and that matters. He represents a generation of consumers who believe food should be fresh, simple and full of flavor without being complicated,” Pereira says. “That philosophy aligns perfectly with Fresh Express.”
Mastronardi Produce, Booth No. 521
Mastronardi Produce says taking center stage at its booth will be its Pop Its Bite-Sized Cucumbers. Peppe Bonfiglio, vice president of sales for Mastronardi Produce, says the Pop Its Bite-Sized Cucumbers are sweet, crisp and portioned for dipping and on-the-go snacking.
Mastronardi Produce will also showcase its Sunset Tomato Branch, which is a premium on-the-vine presentation of vibrant red micro grape tomatoes in a new triangle package.
“It’s a product that beautifully combines the Mastronardi family’s 70-plus-year legacy of tomato excellence with forward-thinking retail design,” Bonfiglio says.
Bonfiglio points to the new recyclable triangle package as part of Mastronardi Produce’s commitment to the value-driven Canadian shopper.
“The new recyclable triangle package debuting with the Tomato Branch is a direct reflection of that commitment: premium in look and feel but designed with end-of-life in mind,” he says.
Bonfiglio says Canadian consumers have also come to expect high-quality, locally grown year-round produce, and the company’s 2027 line will reflect that.
“Expect to see Sunset doubling down on produce that offers superior flavor profiles, like the higher-Brix Pop Its cucumbers, alongside continued investment in greenhouse technology that ensures quality doesn’t fluctuate with the seasons,” he says.
Grimmway Produce Group, Booth No. 831
Grimmway Produce Group returns to CPMA with a refreshed presence, bringing Grimmway Produce Group brands together in one space. The company plans to highlight its premium offerings in its portfolio across potatoes, carrots and organic vegetables.
Drew Callaghan, senior vice president of retail sales, says Tasteful Selections’ Nibbles line leads Grimmway’s premium potato offerings. The company will feature three SKUs — Honey Gold, Ruby Sensation and Sunburst Blend — and its corporate chef will prepare Tasteful Selection Nibbles at the show, Callaghan says.
“The product delivers on taste, texture and visual appeal, elevating everyday potatoes,” he says. “Packaging is designed to sell at shelf, with recipe cues that help shoppers quickly answer what’s for dinner tonight.”
Grimmway Farms plans to showcase its full range of premium conventional and organic carrots, including whole, baby, chips and shredded formats, all available in bilingual packaging. The organic lineup also includes rainbow carrots.
“Carrots remain one of the top produce items in household penetration, with continued opportunity to grow the category through expanded usage across snacking, cooking and entertaining,” Callaghan says.
Cal Organic Farms will feature more than 65 year-round and seasonal organic vegetables available for export to Canada. Expanded value-added offerings include dark leafy greens and fresh-cut vegetables.
“The Canadian organic market remains strong, with approximately two-thirds of consumers purchasing organic products weekly,” Callaghan says.
Chiquita, Booth No. 709
Chiquita says it plans to highlight its Chiquita Class Extra bananas and its “Likely the Best Snack Ever” campaign, which spotlights bananas as a naturally sweet, convenient and grab-and-go snack option.
Marco Volpi, chief marketing officer, says the brand also plans to highlight its “Pop by Nature” campaign, which bridges the connection between art, joy and the heritage of the Chiquita category.
“Booth visitors can learn more about Pop by Nature’s artwork created by this year’s collaborator, Jiaqi Wang, who transitioned Miss Chiquita from a traditional brand ambassador to a true contemporary icon through her work,” he says.
Volpi says that Chiquita continues to invest in innovations to support consistent, high-quality and year-round fruit, as well as advancing sustainable packaging efforts by evaluating material innovations and enhancing efficiency across the supply chain. He points to Chiquita’s work with the Yelloway Initiative to help future-proof the banana supply.
“Through this collaboration, we are supporting the development of new banana varieties that are more resilient to climate change and disease, while maintaining the taste, quality, and consistency consumers expect,” he says.
Taylor Farms, Booth No. 731
Taylor Farms plans to feature its newest Curry Crunch Chopped Salad Kit in the new product showcase, while Earthbound Farms will showcase its newest Beet Greens Blend.
Cristina Di Ielsi, national account manager for Taylor Farms Canada, says the Chopped Curry Crunch Salad Kit is a nod to Indian cuisine.
Di IeIsi says Taylor Farms continues to expand its line of fiber trays for its Earthbound Farms brands, which reduces plastic packaging by 90%.
“We also saw growing demand for lower price points and smaller portions, which led to the launch of our new mini chopped kits,” she says. “Perfect for students, small households or busy on-the-go customers, these single-serve kits offer a healthy, convenient option while helping reduce food waste.”
Highline Mushrooms, Booth No. 910
Highline Mushrooms will showcase its bilingual-labeled Stuffed Mushrooms from its Fresh Gourmet Series. Janis Deschenes, sales manager for retail, wholesale and foodservice, says the Fresh Gourmet Series reflects how the mushroom category is headed toward not only ease but also a premium eating experience.
“These items are designed to fit seamlessly into how consumers are cooking today,” she says. “They offer a quick, reliable solution while still feeling elevated, whether it’s for entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner.”
Deschenes says retailers are looking for ways to evolve beyond traditional commodity sets.
“There’s a growing need for products that bring new energy to the department, encourage trade up and create additional purchase occasions,” she says. “This is exactly where value-added mushrooms are gaining traction.”
Deschenes says Highline Mushrooms will focus on building a lineup that aligns with how Canadians are shopping, which is “more intentional, more informed and more focused on both quality and impact.”
Highline has expanded its use of clear, recyclable materials and advanced top-seal formats that reduce plastic as packaging continues to be a major priority.
“We’re also continuing to invest in product formats that simplify meal preparation and reduce waste at home,” Deschenes says. “Convenience is no longer optional; it’s expected, and it needs to be done in a way that still feels fresh and premium.”
And as Highline Mushrooms launches its Farm of the Future in Leamington, Ontario, Deschenes says the company will be able to deliver more consistent quality and more reliable year-round supply with increased automation and data-driven growing systems.
