In his speech, the CPMA president described the past year as one marked by turbulence, including floods, wildfires, labor shortages, geopolitical issues and more. He spoke at length about three factors that are influencing the ongoing challenges within the industry: sustainability, political upheaval and the changing consumer behavior.“We are not mere spectators. We are architects of our destiny,” said Lemaire. “I have seen an industry stand tall, in the European Union, here in Canada and North America. We engage, we advocate, and we safeguard our interests, knowing that stability lies in our collective resolve.”
Describing the consumer as the most important influencer and focus of both the politicians and the produce industry, the CPMA president outlined different categories of consumers and their ever-evolving needs that all signal three clear key messages for the industry. Consumers want quality products, fair prices, and the best shelf life.\
To sum up his address, Lemaire highlighted innovation, collaboration, adaptation and purpose-driven leadership as key elements in addressing the industry’s challenges.
“The concept of navigating uncharted territories is not new to the produce industry but part of its DNA,” said Lemaire. “There is no sector like ours that needs to adapt in some form daily. When confronted with challenges, we recalibrate routes, forge new partnerships, and ensure that the lifeblood of our industry flows undeterred. This skill allows our industry to feed this nation and drives success in putting food on the tables in Canadian households.”
