Produce Talks

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...

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...

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 Vi...

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 Economi...

“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...

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 companie...

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 Speake...

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...

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) sh...

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 nu...

The new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations came into force in January, 2019 through the CFIA. Anytime new regulations come into place, businesses can be impacted. We touch base with CPMA Food Safety Specialist, Jeff Hall and Fred Webber from the Dispute Resolution Corporation to discuss new requirements for produce businesses and the resources available to industry. Play the Podcast Thank you to...

We’re back for 2019! On this episode we explore corporate culture and the inaugural CPMA Corporate Culture Award . Gaining insights from John Anderson at Oppy and Barrie Carlyle from Waterstone Human Capital , we discuss the challenges and, more importantly, the opportunities that corporate culture presents to the produce industry . We also chat about the inaugural CPMA Corporate Culture Award, an...

When matching career expectations, communication is key. And with today’s generational shift discussing changing career priorities is becoming paramount to staff retention. Join us for an open conversation on current professional development expectations from young professionals in the industry and how those expectations align with the vision business leaders have for their employees. Play the Pod...

In this presentation from the CPMA Trade Show Floor we're exploring Fresh Trends in Floral. Pulling from his over 35 years of experience and unique insights into this part of the fresh category, J Schwanke (ubloom.com) will discuss how the latest trends in the floral department are poised to influence the future of both the produce department and the broader retail industry. Play the Podcast Thank...

From the Learning Lounge on the CPMA Trade Show floor, CPMA has queried industry leaders to create a series of questions for our retail panel that identify the biggest issues and hot buttons for retail and their expectations from their suppliers as they navigate the ever-changing Canadian retail landscape. Speakers : Frank Gambioli, Loblaw Companies Jim Waites, Overwaitea Food Group Reza Bafandeh,...

This episode we’re taking you back to the Learning Lounge on the CPMA Trade Show Floor for a session featuring two interesting career stories. How often do you get a chance to sit down with a top level produce professional to find out about their produce story? How they got to where they are and who helped them along the way? This session will feature a deep dive into the careers of two such indiv...

This month on Produce Talks we’re bringing you to our Learning Lounge on the CPMA Trade Show Floor for the session on produce disruptors. NAFTA, ELDs, and other acronyms are having huge impacts on how businesses need to approach trade, transportation, and technology. So how do we mitigate these produce disruptors and ensure we’re prepared for what’s to come? Our panel of senior industry executives...

In Canada, there are a number of programs that require companies to take responsibility for their part in creating consumer waste. This month on Produce Talks we’re touching base with Calla Farn the Vice President, Steward Relations at the Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance to discuss how the stewardship programs work. We’re also touching base with Steve Roosdahl Executive Director of Supply C...

This month we’re touching base with Dr. Amy Bowen, the Research Director at Vineland Research to discuss how research shapes the produce industry, particularly in Canada. We touch on some of the different types of research being done, the importance of consumers, and why transparency is key. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms. Remember, if you have an idea for a...

This month on Produce Talks we turn the microphone over to Ron Lemaire, President of CPMA, as he sits down for a conversation with Rick Alcocer, the past CPMA Chair, of Duda Farms for the past year, and Les Mallard, the new CPMA Chair, of Fyffes North America Inc. They’ll discuss the role of the CPMA chair, the direction CPMA will take in the next year, and how young professionals can get involved...

We’re picking up on the Social media conversation with our panel once again, this time the conversation revolves around some key points for any business. How are produce companies looking at their return on investment when it comes to social media. The panel shares their thoughts on best practices, and shares some examples of companies outside of produce who are great examples to learn from. Our P...

Social media is no longer a side of the desk product, and is now usually either embedded or is the entirety of a company’s communication strategy. This month on produce talks we touch base with those responsible for social media from several CPMA member companies to discuss the changing landscape of social media, different strategies they are employing and best practices. This month’s guests inclu...

With Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) being phased in to trucks in the United States and Transport Canada looking at a similar requirements, we took the opportunity to connect with Jaret Moch, Senior Director of Logistics at Star Produce to discuss what this could look like for the Canadian produce industry. Play the Podcast Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms. Remember, if you h...

With the latest round of NAFTA negotiations concluding in Montreal we’re connecting with the CPMA team that was there on behalf of the produce industry. Troy Sherman, the CPMA Manager, Policy lets us in on what it’s like to be at the negotiations, what the role of the CPMA is at the table, and why it is important for CPMA and other association to be there and available. Play the Podcast Thank you...