The California cherry crop is still a few weeks away from its expected seasonal start date and promotional window. Jim Hanson, managing member at Grower Direct, cautioned that early California promotions may not be ideal due to the lack of volume out of the early districts, but the quality and volume will be there as the season progresses.

California cherry season is peaking around the corner, headlined by size and quality, albeit lacking a bit of urgency.  The season is delayed, some estimating 12 days behind schedule, with more questions surrounding the early districts. Volume will ramp up steadily throughout May with promotion peaking as the calendar turns to June. 

The CPMA announced Sam Silvestro as the recipient of the 2023 CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the fresh produce industry.

Silvestro has been working in the industry for 40 years. Silvestro is currently an executive consultant for national brands and has previously held senior roles at Sobeys and Walmart Canada, including special projects manager, director of produce and director of merchandising.

A decade into its thriving collaboration, Oppy, the global grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce celebrates its partnership with British Columbia-based greenhouse pepper and cucumber grower Randhawa Farms, owners of the Perpetual Vegetable Co. brand.
 

Bonduelle Fresh Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the French-owned Bonduelle and home of the Ready Pac Bistro brand, is now a Certified B Corp, achieving certification in December of 2022.

North American Produce Buyers, which works out of the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto, is a trusted buyer and wholesaler of international produce, serving Canadian food retailers for more than 50 years.

With the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s show so close to home, the company is looking forward to all the trade show has to offer.