Mastronardi Produce/Sunset, headquartered in Kingsville, Ontario, is strongly promoting its “Campari” and “Y.E.L.O.” tomato campaign. The company also plans to launch some exciting programs around these products at the CPMA Convention & Trade Show, April 15-17 in Montreal.

“We are looking forward to discussing these items with our retail partners,” said Nancy Pickersgill, event planning and communication manager. “Our ‘Campari’ brand cocktail tomato turns 20 next month, just prior to the show. This being the first ever branded tomato, a lot of what we are doing is around that ‘20 Years of Flavor’ and ‘Campari.’”

Mastronardi Produce/Sunset is exhibiting at Booth No.1307 at the CPMA expo, and visitors to the booth will be treated to fresh samples. Pickersgill noted that the company will have a special guest at its booth, and be supplying some “Y.E.L.O.” shots to get people energized.

Mastronardi/Sunset’s ‘Campari’ and ‘Y.E.L.O.’ tomatoes.A sizeable team from the company will be on hand at the expo to greet and meet with customers. They include Joe Sbrocchi, vice president of business development, who is also an active member of the CPMA board of directors. Also in attendance will be Paul Mastronardi, president and chief executive officer; Kevin Safrance, chief operating officer; Vince Filangeri, senior director of sales; Peppe Bonfiglio, key account manager; Giuseppe Rubino, director of purchasing and others.

Pickersgill said the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit and the CPMA Convention & Trade Show both provide a great opportunity to spend time with retail partners.

“And we can showcase new items and discuss future endeavors together,” she said. “We have face time with industry professionals and retail partners in a social atmosphere at a great event hosted by respected organizations. The PMA is a bigger show with more exhibitors, but both are impactful and important to us.”

Mastronardi Produce/Sunset has expanded its greenhouse in Coldwater, MI, and what will be known as Pepperco USA will be harvesting “Sunset” brand peppers this spring.

“We will also be unveiling a few secrets at the CPMA expo, but people will have to come to our booth to find out what they are,” said Pickersgill. “Our 2015 Flavor Tour will be hitting the road in May for six months with some exciting consumer focused experiences.”

On March 9, Mastronardi Produce/Sunset announced that the company — for the sixth consecutive year — was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The award, presented by Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen’s School of Business and Mackay CEO Forums, is based on sustained growth, financial performance, management practices and the efforts of the entire organization.

“Today’s market place is not just about financial performance; it is also about investment in the people,” Peter Brown, national co-leader of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program and senior practice partner for Deloitte, stated in a press release. “Mastronardi Produce invests in their team to build up a strong and stable company. Best Managed Companies are home-grown companies making smart investments to achieve above average returns.”

“We’re thrilled to be named one of Canada’s Best for the sixth consecutive year,” said fourth generation family member, Paul Mastronardi, in the release.

“My grandfather always said that a meal is only as good as what you put in it, and that’s how we look at our business. Our ongoing success is made possible by every one of our hardworking employees, including those at our facilities in other countries, and I would like to thank them all,” he said.