Scotia Horticultural Congress 2014 Convention grows 10 percent from last year
Horticulture Nova Scotia held its Scotia Horticultural Congress 2014 convention on Jan. 27-28 in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. The successful event grew 10 percent from last year, attracting 258 delegates and over 45 booths at the tradeshow, which sold out early for space.
“This congress was one of the most successful to date — a great turnout, with amazing and very informative speakers. Our trade show was exceptional, with some new entrants complementing those who participate each year,” said Marlene Huntley, executive director of the association.
CanadaGAP holds first annual meeting, elects new board of directors
On Feb. 10, CanadaGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) held its first annual general meeting of members to elect a new board of directors. The new board will focus on rolling out the new Option D certification for re-packers and wholesalers.
The new board members are Jack Bates of Tecarte Farms, Hugh Bowman of Misionero Vegetables, Avia Eek of Eek Farms, Keith Kuhl of Peak of the Market, Stephanie Lariviere of Erie James Ltd., Paul Leblanc of Apple Growers of New Brunswick, Cathy McKay of Nature’s Bounty, and Dean Thomson of Thomson Orchards.
Oneonta Starr Ranch staff available for meetings at CPMA
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, located in Wenatchee, WA, plans to send members of its sales and marketing teams to this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show. National Sales Representative Bruce Turner said he will be walking the floor, as will Director of Marketing Scott Marboe and John Cannon and Shane Cass, members of the sales team.
Gordon Food Service expands Ontario facility
Despite the frigid grip winter has held on the country over the last few months, Gordon Food Service Ontario has enjoyed steady growth. New customer acquisition and greater penetration with existing customers has led to the recent expansion of its Milton, ON, facility. The new facility is 170,000 square feet and includes a state-of-the-art test kitchen in the customer resource center, as well as meeting rooms.
According to Business Development Specialist Steve Crawford, “We’re going to continue to grow and bring in some new business.”
Sobeys launches new banner brand positioning
2013 was an eventful year for Sobeys Inc. as it expanded its network in Western Canada and launched new Sobeys banner brand positioning. Using the tagline “Sobeys Better Food for All,” the rebranding involves a new store concept, services and products, with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver as brand ambassador.
Viva Tierra moving outstanding organics into Canadian market
Viva Tierra Organic Inc. will exhibit at Booth No. 833 during this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show. “CPMA is always a good show for us,” said Addie Pobst, logistics and organic integrity coordinator. “We do a great deal of business in Canada, and look forward to talking to existing customers as well as developing new relationships.”
Intimate atmosphere a plus for Domex and customers
Howard Nager, vice president of marketing for Domex Superfresh Growers in Yakima, WA, said the working atmosphere at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show can’t be beat.
Duda will be showcasing fresh cut and citrus lines at CPMA
Nichole Towell, director of marketing for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., headquartered in Oviedo, FL, told The Produce News that the company is looking forward to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, BC, on April 2-4.
“Duda Farm Fresh is thrilled to showcase our fresh-cut celery and radish lines, as well as our full citrus line of Meyer Lemons, Navel oranges, clementines and grapefruits,” said Towell.
Wolter: Canadian connections flourish at convention
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show provides Rainier Fruit Co. with the kind of one-on-one connections that promote relationships and boost business. “The CPMA format provides multiple networking opportunities throughout the entire event,” Director of Marketing Suzanne Wolter told The Produce News. “Many of our customers are present not only during exhibition hours, but also at the social events over the three days. The trade show floor is busy, but easily covered so customers have ample time to discuss business.”
Matthew McEwan new Bolthouse Farms regional sales manager for Canada
Matthew McEwan took on the position of regional sales manager, Canada, for Bolthouse Farms in September 2013, and he’s enjoyed getting to know the Bolthouse team and the national retail landscape in Canada.
His last six months have flown by. “There’s been a ton to learn, which is what I was excited about, and it’s what I was hoping it would be,” said McEwan.