Produce Talks

In this episode, CPMA VP of marketing & events, Sue Lewis, talks with Mike Mauti of Execulytics Consulting about the Canadian shopper. Building on years data gleaned from monthly consumer surveys, Mike looks at the shopping habits of Canadian Gen Z , what is motivating shoppers and  how the 2026 retail landscape will look like.

In this episode, Ron Lemaire, president of CPMA, and David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, break down the biggest forces that have shaped Canada’s fresh produce industry in 2025. From shifting consumer habits to global trade impacts, the two explore what truly moved the market this past year. Looking ahead to 2026, David highlights key consumer and market trends the industry should prioritize to strengthen supply chain resilience and meet evolving consumer demand.

This episode of Produce Talks podcast is sponsored by Crawford Packaging.

If there is one topic that has dominated the sustainability conversation in our industry, it is packaging. But as we look toward 2026, the conversation is evolving from simple reduction to a complex balance of functionality, food safety, and environmental footprint.  In the finale of our Fall 2025 Sustainability Series, CPMA's Produce Talks sits down with experts across the supply chain to discuss how we can minimize waste without compromising the quality of fresh produce for Canadians.  

In this episode, Stuart Jackson of Crawford Packaging, JF Delorme of IFCO, and Jeff Brandenburg of QFresh Lab, join us as we discuss the "Field to Fork" Balance: How to reduce packaging waste without increasing food waste. We also explore B2B vs. B2C: Navigating the differences between primary consumer packaging and tertiary logistics packaging, as well as leading Future Trends related to recycling, composting, and the next generation of packaging materials.

A special thanks to our series sponsor, Crawford Packaging, for supporting this vital conversation.

Is increasing "audit fatigue" stifling genuine environmental progress? In this episode, we tackle the sustainability reporting paradox with John Mesko, CEO of the Potato Sustainability Alliance, Wyatt Maysey, Director of Sustainability, Taylor Farms, and Garland Perkins of Fresh Endeavors Consulting. Discover how the fresh produce industry can move from reactive compliance to "making our own playbook"—transforming the sustainability reporting burden into a strategic input for growth and prosperity.

This episode of Produce Talks podcast is sponsored by Crawford Packaging

 In this episode of Produce Talks podcast, CPMA’s Dan Duguay sits down with Justine Taylor, chief sustainability officer (CSO) of Topline Farms to discuss her career journey, the evolution of her role, and the leading challenges CSOs face today. Tune in to hear her perspective on the future of sustainability in fresh produce and her top advice for professionals just starting their journey.

In this episode, Jennifer Ong Tone, Manager of Health & Education at CPMA sits down with three alumni of CPMA’s Passion for Produce (PFP) Program – Biagio Fonicolo, Senior Buyer at Canadawide Fruits, Janis Deschênes, Sales Manager (Retail, Wholesale, & Food Service) at Highline Mushrooms, and Jenna Peters, Brand Promotions Manager at Mucci Farms to discuss their experiences in the PFP program, the biggest lessons they’ve learned, and their top tips for anyone applying for the 2026 PFP program. 

In this episode of Produce Talks, Shannon Sommerauer, CPMA Senior Director of Government Relations & Industry Technology is joined by George Pitsikoulis, CPMA past Chair and President and CEO of Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc.,  Adri de Wet, President of Fresh Direct Produce, and Hutch Morton, Senior Vice President of J.E. Russell Produce for a bite-size conversation on the role of advocacy in supporting the fresh produce sector in Canada, and their experiences connecting new and returning Parliamentarians with the fresh produce supply chain in their communities.

CPMA President Ron Lemaire sits down with CPMA Chair Steve Bamford, CEO of Fresh Advancements, Bamford Produce, and Freshline Foods, and past CPMA Chair George Pitsikoulis, President and CEO of Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc.

The three talk leadership, advocacy, and the future of fresh produce. From navigating supply chain and geopolitical challenges to setting priorities for the year ahead, this candid conversation looks at where we’ve been, what’s next, and how CPMA continues to drive impact for the industry.

In an ever-shifting geopolitical environment, Canada has elected a minority government with many new faces on Parliament Hill. In this episode, CPMA President Ron Lemaire is joined by David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data. They break down the post-election political landscape and emerging consumer trends, what we know about Prime Minister Mark Carney and his leadership values, and what it all means for how we can advocate for industry priorities.  

Speakers: 

• Ron Lemaire, President, CPMA
• David Coletto, Founder, Chair, and CEO of Abacaus Data