Tariff talk and new products at CPMA have attendees buzzing

MONTREAL — This year’s “Fresh Week” trade show for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) BB #:153602 in Montréal marked a century of service of the organization and rewarded attendees with plenty of nostalgia and future-forward thinking.

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From Geoff Molson headlining the Delegate Breakfast to two packed business sessions, Wednesday provided insight into today’s CPMA and the challenges its members are facing on a daily basis. The morning’s business session choices were AI in Action or Trade and Market Trends.

The latter discussion between Ron Lemaire, CPMA’s president, and John Stackhouse of Royal Bank of Canada’s Economics and Thought Leadership group, covered the topic du jour – trade dynamics between Canada and the United States, as well as macroeconomic trends affecting produce businesses large and small.

Several themes emerged during what Stackhouse referred as “these turbulent times.” He stressed the importance of Agri-Food being vital to Canada’s national security and should be considered among the country’s most critical economic sectors.

Not since the pandemic, and before that the financial crisis of 2008, has Canada faced such volatility and uncertainty. The good news, according to Stackhouse, is the “policy envelope” can be reversed or amended at any time—and, ironically, a pause in tariffs was put in place at that very time on Wednesday.  

Nevertheless, Stackhouse believes Canada has become complacent in its trade status and must use the current volatility as an opportunity to ambitiously expand trade with other nations. “Shame on us if we can’t grow by 20 percent or more over the next decade.”    

On the Expo Floor

While there may be uncertainty in the market when it comes to trade, there’s much to cheer about from the trade show floor.

Booths were busy and chockful with new products and old favorites in new flavors or packaging. Bolthouse Fresh Foods BB #:111358 touted its rollout of new carrot creations for the Canada market in bright colors and inventive flavor pairings.

Spicy Tajin seasoning continues to capitalize on its heightened popularity with its own fruit and vegetable combinations for foodservice and retail.  

Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc. BB #:117489 is spreading its reach by partnering with Bleu & Bon for freeze-dried Quebec berry pouches and spreads, while the Honest Potato Company’s “Spudstainables” precooked fries and diced potatoes bring buyers closed-loop 100-percent sustainability.

As you would expect, as the CPMA celebrates 100 years of service, there’s something for everyone at this year’s show.