Chris Veillon, director of marketing for Mastronardi Produce, headquartered in Kingsville, ON, told The Produce News that the company is primed for and excited about the upcoming 2013 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show in Toronto April 17-19.

“This expo is near and dear to Mastronardi, and we are indeed taking part in it this year as we do every year,” said Mr. Veillon. “Our booth is number 317, and our space is 20 feet by 20 feet. This show presents us with a great opportunity to network with all of our Canadian partners.”

In addition to Mr. Veillon, Mastronardi Produce will be represented at the CPMA expo by Paul Mastronardi, company president; Kevin Safrance, chief operating officer; Joe Sbrocchi, vice president of sales; Vince Filangeri, senior director of sales; and Dean Taylor, director of foodservice sales.

High-graphic photos from Mastronardi Produce are eye-grabbing and appealing to kids and parents alike. (Photo courtesy of Mastronari Produce)“We will also have a variety of sales team members and the marketing team on hand at the expo,” added Mr. Veillon.

One of Mastronardi Produce’s most exciting projects is the expansion of its Kingsville distribution facility.

“When completed, this project will almost double the size of our headquarters,” said Mr. Veillon. “The increase in space at the Canadian location is related to us adding more than an additional 100 greenhouse acres in Ontario in 2013 alone. The 72,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be complete by this summer.

“Our Coldwater greenhouse in Michigan is now growing tomatoes year round and is able to provide locally grown produce to the Midwest year round,” Mr. Veillon continued. “Mastronardi Produce was also recently named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for the fourth consecutive year and has reached the Gold Standard status.”

Mr. Veillon noted that having the CPMA expo in Toronto is obviously a huge bonus for companies like Mastronardi Produce because the reach will be more significant in attracting local foodservice, smaller retailers and others who were unable to travel to last year’s show in Calgary.

“This show is practically in our backyard,” said Mr. Veillon. “It is nice to be close to home to showcase the great Canadian product that we grow and market under our ‘Sunset’ brand.”

The company’s new “Sunset” brand was unveiled last fall at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit expo. Since then Mastronardi Produce has brought the same new fresh look — along with some other new concepts — to regional shows across the United States and Canada. The reception, Mr. Veillon said, has been outstanding.

Mastronardi refreshed the “Sunset” brand with a new “Inspired By Flavor” theme, which extended to include labels, boxes, bags and all of its supporting materials.

“We look forward to presenting the new brand and sharing all of the other great projects and programs that are going on at Mastronardi Produce with customers and prospective customers at the CPMA expo,” said Mr. Veillon. “This is a very important event for us because we have lots of great partners in Canada who attend this show. We look forward to seeing them all and to meeting new ones in Toronto in mid-April.”