Industry reps to meet at CPMA annual convention
Industry reps to meet at CPMA annual convention
It is time to make the connection at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's 83rd annual convention and trade show. "The convention is the largest of its kind in Canada and is the best opportunity for key members of the produce industry to interact and develop business and personal relationships, which last a lifetime," Ron Lemaire, CPMA executive vice president and director of marketing, told The Produce News.
The doors to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre open May 14 against a distinctly Canadian backdrop. The theme of this year's convention is "Produce, The Natural Energy."
The historical record speaks well about convention participation and event growth over the years. During 1999, Mr. Lemaire said CPMA -- part of a network of international produce marketing associations -- hosted 228 booths and 1,500 participants at its show. The numbers swelled to 350 booths and 4,000 participants in 2007.
The convention also provides representatives of the fresh produce industry with the kind of efficient venue necessary to take care of business. "More and more delegates are looking at how to condense their time and energy in a way which fits with their hectic schedules," Mr. Lemaire explained. "Yet while they want to save time, they are also looking for the traditional boutique- style CPMA show, which includes the social, education and networking opportunities second to none globally."
CPMA is comprised of members from major grower-shipper-packers, importer-exporters, carriers, brokers, wholesalers, retailers and fresh-cut and foodservice distributors. "The CPMA is proud to represent over 670 international and Canadian members, who are responsible for 90 percent of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada at an annual estimated value of 8 billion Canadian dollars," the organization's web site indicates.
The challenges arising from the globalization of the produce industry keep companies on their toes. "Currently in Canada, three out of four dollars spent by the consumer at retail and foodservice are spent on imported product," Mr. Lemaire indicated. "The need for a year-round supply of product which meets quality and price standards for the market is key for Canada and many others globally."
He went on to say that food safety and related issues such as traceability and education must be handled effectively due to ongoing globalization. "CPMA is active with other allied partners in an effort to ensure a harmonized approach to national standards and works with vehicles such as the International Federation on Produce Standards and the International Fruit & Vegetable Alliance to work toward this vision," he noted.
The convention has become a springboard facilitating export markets for Canadian producers. "The business-to-business connections are a fundamental aspect of how many domestic companies have grown and developed their export markets whether through direct selling to foreign retail, wholesale and foodservice, or through strategic alliances with foreign grower-shippers to ensure a year-round, cost-effective produce supply," Mr. Lemaire said.
Current industry challenges continue to build on the foundation historically laid in the past. Mr. Lemaire said that these challenges include food safety, traceability implementation, shifting consumer preferences and higher input cost for the entire supply chain.
This year, CPMA will offer a host of informative, educational business sessions. They are Pandemic Influenza! Are You Ready? - Proactive measures so you stay in business, Going 'Green' - The Consumer Drive to a Better Planet, CPMA 101 - What Can We Do For You?, Doing Business In Canada - What's Different?, and Technology - Doing Business in 2008 & Beyond: A Supply Chain Odyssey.
"The power of CPMA is what we do, the breadth and depth of the issues we tackle," CPMA 2007/08 Chairman Larry McIntosh noted in his message to the industry. "CPMA is not just about getting through the issues of the day; it is about building our industry."
A social program will balance out the convention calendar and give attendees some quality down time. Keynote speakers are world-renowned speaker and motivator Les Brown and award-winning comedian and satirist Ron James. A special companion program is also planned.
CPMA works to increase Canada's fresh fruit and vegetable market by encouraging cooperation and exchange of information among all industry segments at the national and international levels. In addition to networking opportunities provided at the annual convention, CPMA focuses on marketing and promotion, food safety, health and nutrition, industry-efficiency technology, government trade relations, and education and training.
The doors to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre open May 14 against a distinctly Canadian backdrop. The theme of this year's convention is "Produce, The Natural Energy."
The historical record speaks well about convention participation and event growth over the years. During 1999, Mr. Lemaire said CPMA -- part of a network of international produce marketing associations -- hosted 228 booths and 1,500 participants at its show. The numbers swelled to 350 booths and 4,000 participants in 2007.
The convention also provides representatives of the fresh produce industry with the kind of efficient venue necessary to take care of business. "More and more delegates are looking at how to condense their time and energy in a way which fits with their hectic schedules," Mr. Lemaire explained. "Yet while they want to save time, they are also looking for the traditional boutique- style CPMA show, which includes the social, education and networking opportunities second to none globally."
CPMA is comprised of members from major grower-shipper-packers, importer-exporters, carriers, brokers, wholesalers, retailers and fresh-cut and foodservice distributors. "The CPMA is proud to represent over 670 international and Canadian members, who are responsible for 90 percent of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada at an annual estimated value of 8 billion Canadian dollars," the organization's web site indicates.
The challenges arising from the globalization of the produce industry keep companies on their toes. "Currently in Canada, three out of four dollars spent by the consumer at retail and foodservice are spent on imported product," Mr. Lemaire indicated. "The need for a year-round supply of product which meets quality and price standards for the market is key for Canada and many others globally."
He went on to say that food safety and related issues such as traceability and education must be handled effectively due to ongoing globalization. "CPMA is active with other allied partners in an effort to ensure a harmonized approach to national standards and works with vehicles such as the International Federation on Produce Standards and the International Fruit & Vegetable Alliance to work toward this vision," he noted.
The convention has become a springboard facilitating export markets for Canadian producers. "The business-to-business connections are a fundamental aspect of how many domestic companies have grown and developed their export markets whether through direct selling to foreign retail, wholesale and foodservice, or through strategic alliances with foreign grower-shippers to ensure a year-round, cost-effective produce supply," Mr. Lemaire said.
Current industry challenges continue to build on the foundation historically laid in the past. Mr. Lemaire said that these challenges include food safety, traceability implementation, shifting consumer preferences and higher input cost for the entire supply chain.
This year, CPMA will offer a host of informative, educational business sessions. They are Pandemic Influenza! Are You Ready? - Proactive measures so you stay in business, Going 'Green' - The Consumer Drive to a Better Planet, CPMA 101 - What Can We Do For You?, Doing Business In Canada - What's Different?, and Technology - Doing Business in 2008 & Beyond: A Supply Chain Odyssey.
"The power of CPMA is what we do, the breadth and depth of the issues we tackle," CPMA 2007/08 Chairman Larry McIntosh noted in his message to the industry. "CPMA is not just about getting through the issues of the day; it is about building our industry."
A social program will balance out the convention calendar and give attendees some quality down time. Keynote speakers are world-renowned speaker and motivator Les Brown and award-winning comedian and satirist Ron James. A special companion program is also planned.
CPMA works to increase Canada's fresh fruit and vegetable market by encouraging cooperation and exchange of information among all industry segments at the national and international levels. In addition to networking opportunities provided at the annual convention, CPMA focuses on marketing and promotion, food safety, health and nutrition, industry-efficiency technology, government trade relations, and education and training.
