May 5, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) –Last week, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) hosted its 2026 Convention and Trade Show, (CPMA 2026 Fresh Week) which brought together produce industry members, innovators, and attendees from around the world. The event was highly successful, attracting over 4,600 attendees. 

Over 700 exhibitors representing more than 330 companies filled the Trade Show floor. Among those, 151 were international exhibitors from 13 countries, 194 Canadian and 49 exhibitors were new CPMA members. Thanks to the generosity of these exhibitors, over 42,300 pounds of fresh produce was donated to Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank. The 2026 New Product Showcase featured 66 products from 51 different companies.

“CPMA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show provides produce industry professionals with exceptional networking, education, and business development opportunities,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “The remarkable turnout and international participation at this year’s event is unprecedented illustrating the competitiveness of the Canadian produce marketplace and the key role it plays driving economy in Canada and beyond.”   

Congratulations to the following individuals and companies who earned honours at this year’s event:

• Fresh Health Award – Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc.
• Young Professional Award – Amanda Knauff, Taylor Farms
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul Catania Jr., Catania Worldwide
• The Packer’s Produce Person of the Year Award – Daniel Terrault, Gen V

Best Booth Awards

• Best Island Booth Award – DelFrescoPure®
• Best Inline Booth Award– Bayshore Family Farms
• Best First-Time Exhibitor Booth Award – The Produce Counter
• People’s Choice Award - Equifruit

New Product Showcase Awards

• Best New Product Award – Arte salad, The Produce Counter
• Packaging Innovation Award – SUNSET® Tomato Branch, Mastronardi Produce
• Organics Award – Earthbound Farm Beet Greens, Earthbound Farm
• Best Snackable Product Award – Apple Sticks, Martin's Family Fruit Farm Ltd

Following the Annual Convention and Trade Show, CPMA hosted the 2nd edition of Women in Produce Summit providing women with a unique networking and educational opportunity.

CPMA thanks all sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees for making these events possible and looks forward to welcoming the industry to Vancouver, April 13-15, 2027, for the 2027 CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show.