On Tuesday, July 31, The Produce News spoke to Pat Calabretta, senior director of purchasing and merchandising for Sobeys Quebec. “Things are good, we’re full swing into our local season. Cherries, berries and stone fruit are always a strong category for us, as are local strawberries. We’re definitely seeing demand pick up for stone fruit,” said Mr. Calabretta.

“We’ve had some vendors affected by weather issues. We’re here to support the vendors. Overall the quality had been good. While there have been some issues, we try to rotate the quality stock quickly,” he said.

When asked about merchandising trends. Mr. Calabretta spoke of the individual natures of their independent stores.

“We have independent stores and our merchandising features vary. We will sometimes focus on the top twenty key value items and at other times more niche items. For the IGA banner, our strength is to always have our strong items featured like bananas, berries, and broccoli,” he said.

“Providing a big variety and array of different items is key. This week we see a section of figs, cases of cactus fruit, kumquats, litchi. Ethnic is important in Montreal, we try and provide variety in our flyers and merchandising themes,” he continued.

“The Quebec market is very unique, there’s a strong multi-cultural component and a certain niche of people wanting key basic items. We have to cater to each sector and provide an array of satisfaction,” continued Mr. Calabretta.

“We’ve had a long month and a half as we’ve transitioned SAP systems. We’re the last of our divisions to get on board. Three divisions are already on it — West, Maritimes and Ontario. We went live July 2 for fresh produce. It’s a big change and a new system for us but the transition has gone well so far,” said Mr. Calabretta.

Mr. Calabretta is the president elect of QPMA and will take over the role from outgoing President Robert Beauregard of Agri-Mondo at the upcoming QPMA convention to be held August 16-18 at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec.

“The QPMA convention is always a great event. Its important to network and meet suppliers, the seminars are always interesting, there’s something to learn from each one. There’s a good mixture of pleasure and business,” said Mr. Calabretta.

“I’m very much looking forward to my new role. I’ve been involved with QPMA over ten years now, if we as an industry, don’t step up and get involved, who will? I’m doing something I love, something I believe in. Eating fruit and vegetables is important for health, we work in a beautiful industry and I believe in the importance of the work we do,” he said.