Produce Talks

CPMA hosts a roundtable discussion with political insiders representing the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic parties. We continue the conversation on the political landscape of our new minority government and what it means for Canada’s fresh produce industry, covering issues that are at the top of mind for the sector including: expanding access to export trade markets, tackling labour challenges, enhancing sustainability, bolstering the sector’s competitiveness and much more! The talk is moderated by David Coletto from Abacus Data. Panelists included Caitlin McClung from StrategyCorp Inc., Howard Mains from Tactix Government Relations and Public Affairs Inc. and Cameron Holmstrom from Bluesky Strategy Group Inc.  Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

We're gearing up for the 95th CPMA Convention and Trade Show in May in Toronto and that includes our Learning Lounge sessions on the trade show floor! One of the Learning Lounge sessions that we always love to host is where we learn about interesting and inspiring careers journeys in the produce sector. On this episode, we go back to the Learning Lounge in Montreal to hear from Andrea Palmer of Nova Agri, Daniel Terrault from Hydroserre and Alain Routhier from Courchesne Larose for a session we call My Produce Story. The session was moderated by Rick Alcocer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

On this episode, we sit down with David Coletto of Abacus Data to explore the political landscape of our new minority government and what it means for Canada’s fresh produce industry. In the New Year we’ll be back with Part Two of the series with a roundtable discussion covering issues that are top of mind for our sector including: expanding access to export trade markets, enhancing sustainability, bolstering our sector’s competitiveness and much more. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

We dive into all the dynamic components and drivers behind the launch of a new variety – specifically looking at apples and table grapes. We kick off the episode with Kate Evans from Washington State University and Kathryn Grandy from Proprietary Variety Management to talk about the launch of the Cosmic Crisp apple and look more broadly at the breeding processes and innovation behind developing a new variety. We also talk apple varieties with Mac Riggan from Chelan Fresh and table grape varieties with Bill Poulos from Oppy. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

As the potentially damaging effects of plastic packaging on our ecosystem has grown to be more visible to consumers through mainstream and social media, the issue of plastics in produce has come to the forefront. CPMA has recognized the need for an integrated industry approach that best meets regulatory requirements, while keeping produce safe and affordable for the end consumer. To that end, the CPMA Plastics Packaging Working Group was established to identify efforts underway within the industry, determine best practices, and develop an industry-supported roadmap to maintaining food quality and safety while reducing the environmental impact of plastics. On this episode of Produce Talks, we review the results of a consumer insight survey on plastic packaging with pollster David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, and speak with Crystal Howe of Ice River Springs about their water bottles made from 100% recycled plastic. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

On this episode, we speak with Mary Scianna from Grocery Business Magazine and Chris Elliott from Restaurants Canada, to discuss current consumer trends in grocery and in restaurants. The marketplace is as competitive as ever, and as a result we’re seeing unique strategies to reach specific demographics, while companies vie to position themselves at the top of the market by focusing on convenience, speed, quality, sustainability and much more. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

Businesses in our sector are continually innovating to meet industry demands and consumer expectations. Challenges around labour, food waste, forecasting and so much more have inspired companies to adapt and develop new innovative solutions. On this episode, we scrape the surface of some of the exciting technology across the supply chain with guests from Flashfood, Motorleaf, Apeel Sciences and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. To learn more about new innovations in our sector, head to the CPMA’s produce innovation hub at produceinnovationhub.com. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

Last year we saw the development of the new NAFTA and confirmation of additional free trade agreements. The Canadian government, and others around the globe, are focused on removing barriers to product movement, opening new markets and increasing exports for domestic organizations. On this episode we head back to the Learning Lounge on a session in April with Dr. Stephen Tapp, Deputy Chief Economist from Export Development Canada. Stephen provides insight into these efforts and how Canadian business can capitalize on these growing opportunities. The session was moderated by President of Consolidated Fruit Packers Ltd., Dariel Trottier.   Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

“Eat your fruits and veggies.” It can be a tough message to convey to kids, so why not show them the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle? The 5th annual Freggie Fresh Ride is happening August 16th, starting in Niagara and ending in Toronto with a stop at a Freggie event at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton in Oakville. The Freggie Fresh Ride will again be raising money, with 100% of funds going directly to the Freggie Children’s Program. Organizers Greg Ogiba of AMC Direct Inc. and Andrew George of EarthFresh hop on the podcast along with Selena Karkash from CPMA as we discuss all things Freggie. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

On this podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Martin Gooch and Dan Laplain at Value Chain Management International as we keep the conversation going on reducing food loss and waste and plan for the release of a food waste reduction tool this summer. We talk about the drivers behind the issue of waste and the ins and outs of the web tool – who can use it, how to use it and the results that companies can expect. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

This month, we're covering food loss and waste as CPMA plans the release of a food waste consulting tool available to our members. On this first food waste episode, we head back to the learning lounge for a panel discussion on how growers and businesses across the supply chain can tackle food loss and waste and improve their bottom line. Moderator: Mike Ecker - Vineland Growers Co-operative Speakers:  Dan Martin - EarthFresh Foods, Martin Gooch - Value Chain Management International, Scott Ross - Canadian Federation of Agriculture Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

This month on Produce Talks we sit down with Past Chair, Les Mallard of Fyffes North America and the new CPMA Chair, Oleen Smethurst of Costco Canada. We discuss the high level issues affecting the produce industry, the role and impact of CPMA volunteers, and some of the areas that CPMA will focus on in the next year. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

We live in a world of constant change where technology creates opportunities to drive organizations to new levels of success. Blockchain, precision agriculture, automation, and much more are embraced by businesses searching to improve how produce is grown, harvested, packed, shipped and sold, while leveraging data to provide better decision making and transparency across the supply chain. Hear how organizations are embracing technology and its effect on the produce sector as a whole. Moderator:  Davis Yung - Fresh Direct Produce Speakers:  David Best - Duda Farm Fresh, Keith Kuhl - Southern Potato, Scott Dagondon - Motorleaf Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

The social media landscape is evolving and has made room for a new kind of celebrity endorsement – influencer marketing. On this episode, we delve into influencer marketing, the relationship between brand and brand influencer, and the importance of credibility in the produce industry. Registered dietitians and content creators Abbey Sharp (@abbeyskitchen) and Noelle Martin (@motherhoodandmeals) share their individual career paths and social media wisdom, as Kara Badder, Marketing Manager at NatureFresh™, gives us insight on their marketing strategy with Noelle and how their partnership has flourished.  Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.                  

Food has an immense impact on the health and well-being of Canadians. The new Canada’s Food Guide gives plenty of recommendations on nutrition and healthy eating habits. On this episode of Produce Talks we chat with Chef Michael Smith and registered dietitian Carol Harrison to explore the recommendations and science behind Canada’s Food Guide and unpack some of the social challenges of food and nutrition in Canada.   Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.