The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Annual Convention and Trade Show will take place April 2-4 in Vancouver, BC, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The CPMA Convention and Trade Show Organizing Committee is led by 2013/2014 CPMA Chair Walt Breeden of The Oppenheimer Group, Convention and Trade Show Chair Scott Fairbairn of Thrifty Foods, and Co-Chair and BCPMA Liaison Margie Schurko. The Committee along with the dedicated CPMA staff and CPMA board of directors are sure to put on an impressive event.

Canada’s largest event dedicated to the fruit and vegetable industry, CPMA exhibitors will feature companies from around the globe.Highlights of this year’s event include a robust business program and guest speaker line-up. A retail panel is planned and the food service industry will also be in the spotlight with a panel of esteemed chefs looking at produce from a chef’s perspective. Thursday’s delegate luncheon is sure to be intriguing with the launch of CPMA’s new “Consumer Marketing Program: Half Your Plate.”

“One of my core messages during my tenure as CPMA chair, and the theme of the 2014 Convention and Trade Show, is ‘Live Healthy, Eat Fresh!’ By participating in this year’s event and driving this simple message, we will be supporting our shared goal to increase produce consumption, improve consumer health and support industry prosperity,” stated CPMA Chair Walt Breeden of Oppy and in a welcome message.

Up and comers will benefit from mentorship and key learnings with Passion for Produce — one of CPMA’s education programs. PMA’s Career Pathways will return for its second appearance during the convention, bringing top university students into the produce world prior to graduation.

The sold-out new product showcase is sure to be a highlight as is the trade show itself. Canada’s largest event dedicated to the fruit and vegetable industry, exhibitors will feature companies from around the globe. According to the CPMA website, one out of three visitors represent the retail/wholesale and foodservice sectors.

Be sure to be on the lookout for Freggie at the trade show, as CPMA’s friendly mascot will join 60 area students on a guided tour of the show. This year will also see the introduction of CPMA’s first 5km Freggie Fun Run as part of the “Live Healthy” message of this year’s event.

“The CPMA team will deliver an interesting and thought-provoking business program that will include topics that are essential to our industry’s success. Beyond the boardroom, our entertainment and hospitality program will continue to provide a more casual forum for conversation and collaboration — and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Freggie and his friends on the trade show floor,” stated Scott Fairbairn of Thrifty Foods in a welcome message. Fairbairn is the 2014 CPMA convention chair.

Davis Yung, president of Vancouver-based Fresh Direct Produce is chair of this year’s CPMA Business Program Committee for the convention. Yung is particularly looking forward to Thursday’s luncheon. “Something new this year, we were able to invite five national chains from across Canada to be on a panel. They will look at new ideas and what each of the chains are doing to promote fresh,” said Yung.

The Thursday luncheon will be moderated by Reggie Griffin, former senior vice president at Kroger in the United States, and will focus on Canada’s vibrant retail landscape and highlight in-store programs focused on healthier food choices. Canada’s five leading retail chains — Costco, Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys and Walmart — will share their “fresh identities” and how they are supporting Canadians in their quest for better dietary choices.