CPMA Convention 2018:What Blew Us Away (#WBUA)

Let’s be honest, what’s not to love about a sunny day with a view like this framing every angle one has the opportunity to view in Vancouver?  The 2018 CPMA Convention & Tradeshow in this gloriously beautiful city was nothing short of perfection.  From the beautiful weather to the extra kind locals, we found ourselves not wanting to leave the city of glass. Here’s what blew us away during out time at CPMA:

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The New Product Showcase

Since first attending last year’s show in Toronto, we’ve been looking forward to seeing the new innovation on display at the New Product Showcase.  We couldn’t help but notice that “snacking” dominated shelf space in the showcase this year.  

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In addition, clever displays had us loving the creativity presented by several of the marketers including:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ new product showcase was one of our favorite displays as they utilized the small space in a very clever way to promote their new sweet corn microwaveable four pack solution complete with a miniature microwave and field-like backdrop.

Village Farms

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Speaking of snacking, our hearts went pitter patter over these cleverly named tomato varieties presented by Village Farms.  With names like Cabernet Estate Reserve, this product naming had us thirsty for more.

Organic Girl

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We also give props to Organic Girl for featuring a Marvel figurine of the Hulk in anticipation of last weekend’s big box office smash hit, Avengers: Infinity Wars.  What a clever way to capture an essence of pop culture and “power greens”!

Favorite Booth: Mucci Farms 

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The Mucci Farms booth structure and sleek design was a highlight on the show floor.  We couldn’t help but notice many people stopping to take photos of the newly constructed booth featuring a cooktop and private meeting rooms.

Favorite New Product: Green Giant Fresh Bowls

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From the innovation and creation of the Mann’s team’s Nourish Bowls, winner of the 2017 CPMA Best New Product award, to the Green Giant Fresh bowls on display, we are delighted to see this segment of the produce department expanding and offering new, on-trend flavors that we can all sink our teeth into.

Favorite Show Floor Activity: Peak of Market Puck Shot

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We had a great time with Rick Alcocer, CPMA Chairman, at the Peak of the Market booth where we took our chances at making a winning puck shot for food bank donations and a chance to win $5,000!  Did Rick make the shot? You bet he did! Did we? Not so much. Better luck next year.

Favorite Chef Host: Roger Mooking with SUNSET

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We always find that the SUNSET booth is a great place to have a delicious bite and a laugh, especially when Roger Mooking is working in the kitchen. Look at this power duo: Chef Mooking and Nancy Pickersgill (photo credit).  We had the best time being hosted by these two just before scarfing two helpings of Aloha pepper fried rice!  Thank you, SUNSET team!

Favorite Creative Show Floor Sample: Exotic Oils & Citrus with Sunkist

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Jill Davies, famously known for her presence as the “lemon lady” at the Sunkist booth, took us on a very unique “culinary adventure” with her samples that combined various exotic oils over different citrus varieties.  Ever tried cumin or coriander infused oil on an orange? You won’t be disappointed if you do.

The Marketing Innovation Awards

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Throughout the show (we like that touch), four innovation awards were announced elevating marketing excellence.  We couldn’t agree more with the judges as the winners are truly outstanding brands boasting innovations that make us proud to be fresh produce marketers in the following categories:

 

Which brings us to our final point about the CPMA show in Vancouver… have you ever met nicer people or experienced better convention weather?  Thank you to the organizers, sponsors and exhibitors of the CPMA 2018. Mark your calendar now for April 24 – April 26, 2019 in Montreal! We look forward to seeing you there.