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 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.

Jimmy Coppola, account and marketing manager for Westmoreland Sales, a leading grower, shipper and marketer of high-quality greenhouse produce headquartered in Leamington, ON, told The Produce News that the company is looking forward to featuring a couple of new items at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, BC, on April 2-4.

Daniela Ferro, communication coordinator for Mastronardi “Sunset,” a leading grower of high-quality greenhouse produce headquartered in Kingsville, ON, will be exhibiting at Booth No. 631 at the CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, BC, on April 2-4.

“We will have strong representation from our sales, marketing and packaging team at the show,” said Ferro. “‘Sunset’ will be promoting our line of amazingly sweet tomatoes, which includes the ‘Zima,’ ‘One Sweet’ and ‘Angel Sweet.’

While Herndon Farms of Lyons, GA, is best-known for its “Vidalia’s Finest” sweet onions, its product line is actually quite diverse and drawing more attention every day even as Vidalia season approaches.

The anchor crop Vidalias were looking good in mid-March and barring complications should make for an excellent deal, according to Sales and Marketing Manager John Williams.

We’ve got a good stand today so we’re proud of it,” Williams said. “The onions are nice and clean and we don’t see a lot of disease pressure — we’re just keeping our fingers crossed.”

Mexico has the potential to be a game-changer within the global blueberry business due to its long season, innovative growers, new varieties and proximity to the huge counter-seasonal market of the United States.

That was just one of the take-home messages from the International Blueberry Organization's fourth annual summit, held the second week of March in Guadalajara, Mexico.