This week, from April 12 – 16, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association holds its annual convention. The event will be fully online and is free to anyone who would like to attend. “It is an important event for us,” says Jessica Dubé with wholesale company Canadawide. “The event always brings new opportunities for us every year and I think even more so this year. Since there is no traveling involved it will be accessible to more people,” she added.
Presence expanding into West Coast
Based in Montreal, Canadawide offers conventional and organic produce that is both locally grown and sourced from all over the world. Distribution of product has traditionally been more focused on the Eastern part of Canada and the Eastern seaboard of the United States. “However, our produce is increasingly making its way over to the western part of the country as well. We feel this online event will present opportunities to meet new suppliers and new customers from the entire country, both east and west,” Dubé shared.
New Frescadel logo
Frescadel re-brand
Canadawide is a Chairman’s Club sponsor of CPMA Fresh Week. “CPMA offers the best exposure for us, connecting us with new suppliers and buyers from all over the country,” commented Dubé. In addition to a booth, Canadawide will also be participating in the New Product Showcase with their Frescadel brand. “The brand has been redesigned, now offering a fresh, clean, and minimalistic look. Vibrant colors make it attractive to the eyes of consumers. Both our conventional and organic produce offerings are packed in eco-friendly, recyclable, and often recycled materials.”
Snow peas, sugar snaps, and Brussels sprouts in new Frescadel packaging.
Not only will the company present Frescadel’s re-brand at CPMA, it is also announcing a recent acquisition. “We recently acquired a new warehouse that will allow us to double our storage capacity and will double our banana ripening capabilities.” The new location is in close vicinity to the existing location, in the heart of Montreal.
Exotic Glossary for retailers
Canadawide moves more than 20,000 SKU’s annually. “We offer everything, from large-scale commodities to exotics by the box,” said the company’s President and CEO George Pitsikoulis. To better educate their customers on the different exotic items that are being offered and the best ways to merchandise them, the company has developed an Exotic Glossary. It will support store managers in tailoring their exotic offerings to customer demand in their local communities. The glossary is available in an app or can be viewed online.
Snapshot of Exotic Glossary.
To kick off CPMA Fresh Week, Canadawide has developed a company video. Pitsikoulis welcomes show attendees, but the video also provides an overview of the company’s activities as well as a tour of the warehouse.
For more information:
Jessica Dubé
Canadawide
Tel: (514) 382-3232
jessica@canadawidefruits.com
www.canadawidefruits.com