Latest News From Canada

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show returns to western Canada this year with a focus on sustainability, networking and the strength of the country's domestic market.

Nature Fresh Farms' Hiiros tomatoes have been named “Best Snacking Tomatoes” in the Powerhouse Produce category of Good Housekeeping's 2024 Best Snack Awards.

Do you know someone who is advancing the Canadian produce industry, creating change and giving a voice to the underrepresented in fresh produce? The Packer wants to hear from you. Deadline for nominations is March 18.

Business at Toronto’s Ontario Food Terminal got off to a rather slow start this year, say some of the produce distributors there, but there’s plenty of time for sales to pick up.

The Leamington, Ontario-based company received "Best in Class" honors and an Award of Distinction for its packaging design at this year’s PAC Global Awards competition.

A government agency in Canada wants to establish a plastics registry to monitor and track plastic, including plastic used in agriculture and food manufacturing.

The largest event in the country dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables, held this year in Vancouver at the end of April, will co-locate with the International Sustainability Summit.

Fresh produce representatives recently met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to voice concerns and emphasize industry initiatives.

International Fresh Produce Association executives attended a Nov. 15 roundtable meeting focused on U.S. and Canadian consumer food affordability with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

A pre-proposal that aims to regulate packaging in Canadian grocery stores should have the attention of the entire U.S. produce industry, says Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia in this guest column.

According to advocacy groups, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Act seeks to provide needed financial protections that would help avoid bankruptcy, such as the recent case of Lakeside Produce.

The Kingsville, Ontario-based company will showcase Savorries Sweet Strawberry Tomatoes at the International Fresh Produce Association’s upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has announced the launch of its 2024-2026 strategic plan.

One company has a new CEO who will guide it through its future strategy and expansion plans, another is promoting attractively priced easy-peel soft citrus, and a banana distributor is expanding its U.S. reach.

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers’ “This is Greenhouse Goodness” campaign has converted the baggage claim area at Windsor International Airport to resemble an educational greenhouse farm.

In one year, Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Peak of the Market Ltd. donated more than 2.7 million pounds of produce to community groups.

Held in Quebec City from Aug. 17-19, the QPMA convention shared new leadership appointments, networking, strategic priorities and fresh fruit and vegetable inspiration with members.

What you need to know about the temporary, but heightened requirements to import romaine or salad mixes containing romaine to Canadian markets from Sept. 28 to Dec. 20, 2023.

After 11 years of exploring destinations in the U.S., the Big Idaho Potato Truck is making its way through Canada.

The Oppenheimer Group is celebrating its 165-year legacy of delivering exceptional quality fruits and vegetables to customers worldwide. 

Canadian produce groups are praising the committee approval of Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act.

The North American sweet corn grower recently achieved EFI certification across its entire supply chain with the addition of its farms in Ontario.

Cherries will be in good volume this year for British Columbia-based Gold Star Fruit Co., with peak volume expected for the third week of July.

Canadian fresh produce industry leaders met with parliamentarians and government officials at the May 30 Farm to Plate 2023 held in Ottawa.

The first British Columbia cherries should hit the market by the end of June, says Richard Isaacs, commercial director of Global Fruit, Creston, B.C. 

Starting in late June and continuing through mid-September, Star Produce will offer British Columbia cherries to retailers across North America and in several overseas markets, company officials say.

In what advocates call a major win for the fresh produce industry, Canada’s House of Commons has passed Bill C-280, which aims to strengthen the financial security of fresh fruit and vegetable sellers.

Chapdelaine, the president of berry operations at Star Produce, has worked in the industry for more than 25 years. He will lead the Canadian Produce Marketing Association board of directors through 2024.

Kingsville, Ontario-based Mastronardi Produce has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 14th year in a row.

The 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show stacked up to be the association's biggest show to date and sets the tone for next year's event in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 23-25, 2024.

The 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show spotlighted the latest trends and product innovations from local and global markets across the fresh produce supply chain.

This year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show brought industry leaders across the fresh produce supply chain to downtown Toronto on April 26-27 to learn, network and collaborate.

"Change happens, growth is optional," said CPMA President Ron Lemaire in urging the Canadian fresh produce industry to find growth and opportunities where others see setbacks.

Canadian industry associations are calling on members of Parliament to support Bill C-280, which would establish a critical financial protection mechanism — a deemed trust for fresh produce sellers in Canada.

David Whitmore, a longtime employee of and former vice president for Peak of the Market, died April 16 at age 60.

The greenhouse industry veteran will lead technical operations for the Canadian fruit and vegetable grower.

Canadian produce leader Sam Silvestro has been named the 2023 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

As time nears for this year's CPMA Convention and Trade Show on April 25-27, Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire discusses innovation, AI, supply chains and the Canadian fresh produce industry.

The Terrault family, a leader in greenhouse production in Quebec for more than three decades, has introduced a new brand identity as Cultures Gen V Inc., unifying all its brands under the new Gen V banner.

In a recent Numerator study, while price continues to drive purchase decisions, Ontario consumers reported that they plan to continue to prioritize local fruits and vegetable despite inflation.

The association's “More for Your Money” campaign sought to deliver clear, down-to-earth messages to help consumers eat fruits and vegetables despite price fluctuations.

In the past few years, Ontario’s greenhouse growers have expanded and diversified their produce offerings with greenhouse-grown lettuce, berries, eggplant, melons and other fruit and vegetables.

The company has received three awards lauding its workplace, culture and competitive advantage in recent months.

The three produce veterans will hit the ground running, supporting the Ontario-based grower-shipper’s recent growth.

Canada’s largest event entirely dedicated to the fresh fruits and vegetable industry will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre April 25-27.

In the past year, the Gambles Group of Companies has transformed from a regional wholesaler to a full-service distributor that services all markets across Canada, says Lisa D'Ambrosio, marketing manager.

The Canadian greenhouse grower has won top honors for both its Queen of Greens lettuce and Sunset Wild Wonders Harvest Medley brand packaging at the PAC Global Awards.

Even with a sagging economy, “Everybody still needs to eat,” says Angelo Alberga, buyer and salesman for Canadian Fruit & Produce Co. Ltd. at the terminal market.

The company has increased delivery capabilities and offerings to support customers who are not present at the Ontario Food Terminal on a daily basis.

Inflation is the biggest worry for Toronto consumers, says Mike Mauti, managing partner for Execulytics, a consulting firm based in the Toronto region.