With California’s continued limitation on conventions and expos of its size, United Fresh is launching Reimagine Connections, a new program bringing members together in-person at smaller regional events, and online for education, networking and innovation events.  Reimagine Connections will deliver:

Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales and business development at Red Sun Farms in Kingsville, Ontario, and who currently serves as chairman of the Southeast Produce Council's Board of Directors, was unable to attend Southern Exposure in person due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, he took part virtually in many aspects of the event. During the trade show Thursday, April 8, The Produce News was able to interview him via video which was set up at the SEPC booth.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association held its 95th Convention and Trade Show, Fresh Week, last week April 12-16. CPMA’s Trade Show is the largest fresh produce event in Canada. While this was CPMA’s first-ever virtual show, the event attracted attendance of almost 2,900 attendees from 42 countries.

Nature Fresh Farms’ very own Product Development Specialist Luci Faas has been recognized for her excellence in the produce industry.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has developed the Women in Produce initiative to recognize the achievements of outstanding women in the produce industry. Faas, along with nine other women, were nominated by industry peers for their contributions to promoting produce in the industry. The 10 honorees were recognized during CPMA’s Fresh Summit virtual event.

The Star Group continues to innovate and respond to consumer demand for taste and convenience and earns a win for Best New Product at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 95th annual Fresh Week with Inspired Salads.

The Best New Product Award was one of five New Produce Showcase Award categories that included Packaging Innovation, New Technology, Snackable Product, and Organic Product. Fifty-six products from 42 companies were featured this year, and winners were chosen by a panel of judges from across the industry.

John Anderson, chairman, CEO and managing partner of The Oppenheimer Group, has been named the recipient of the 2021 CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored at the CPMA Fresh Week.

Anderson is known for his strategic vision and outstanding leadership skills. He joined Oppy in 1975 when the company was a single office produce sales operation, earning just a few million dollars in annual revenue. He has since then become a leading grower, marketer, and distributor of fresh produce, generating a billion dollars in sales each year.