In his annual State of the Industry Address, Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire called on the fresh produce industry to move from a mindset of resilience to one of proactive transformation amid global instability, trade disruptions and changing consumer demands.

Speaking at the sold-out CPMA 2025 Trade Show and Convention, Lemaire emphasized the need for unified advocacy, agile adaptation and bold investment in innovation to ensure the continued strength of Canada’s fresh produce sector.

This Cinco de Mayo, Avocados From Mexico is putting guacamole at the center of every table with a new strategy that highlights what makes the holiday so special — the food — with the vibrant flavor that only avocados can offer. The number one selling avocado brand in the U.S. is set to become the top-of-mind food brand for the occasion, as the perfect ingredient for Cinco celebrations with unique authenticity and freshness. This idea comes to life in the brand's Guac Makes the Fiesta campaign, inviting consumers to get excited and plan ahead with plenty of fresh Avocados From Mexico.

CMI Orchards and Royal Family Farming’s joint venture, The Soil Center, is at the forefront of redefining agricultural sustainability. Breaking ground later this spring, TSC was established to repurpose agricultural byproducts — from orchards, row crops, dairy and beef operations — into carbon-rich soil amendments supporting healthy, robust crop production and reducing the need for synthetic soil additives.

Ahold Delhaize announced that Ann Dozier, an accomplished information technology executive in the food industry, has joined the company as chief information officer. In this role, Dozier oversees all aspects of IT for the U.S. businesses, with a focus on technology to enable each of Ahold Delhaize USA brands’ omnichannel businesses and drive the Growing Together strategy.

As a global leader in the worldwide produce business, Mission Produce serves retail, wholesale and foodservice customers year-round with a high-quality supply of the world’s finest organic avocados and mangos.

Les Mallard, vice president sales of Fyffes North America Inc., has been named the 2025 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, recognizing his outstanding dedication, leadership and service to the produce industry over a remarkable 38-year career.