CPMA 2013 event logo

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) annual Convention & Trade Show is on target to be the group's largest exposition yet when it takes place at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto, Canada, on 17-19 April.

The eighty-eighth edition of CPMA’s keystone event is already 98 per cent sold with only ten exhibition spaces still available, according to a press release from the organisation.

The annual show returns to Toronto this year where the 500 exhibition spaces will mark a 25 per cent expansion of the show floor offered in 2009 when the event was last held in the Ontario-based city.

CPMA said it is committed to delivering quality exhibitors and attendees this year, and will bring key buyers to the trade show floor while maintaining a measured expansion of the show.

“Balanced growth is paramount so as to avoid producing an event that is too big and commercial and instead, values the intimate and friendly environment that they’ve managed to create on the trade show floor for exhibitors and attendees alike,” CPMA explained.

“We’re always energized by the atmosphere when we bring the Convention and Trade Show to Toronto,” noted Bernadette Hamel CPMA’s 2013 Convention chairperson and vice-president of national procurement for produce at Metro Richelieu.

“And while we continue to grow, we are mindful of how important it is to keep the traditional feel and culture of this enduring event that allows buyers and sellers to relax, engage and build relationships that will continue to breed longstanding success for all involved.”

Programme highlights include a new product showcase where the most innovative products in the produce industry will be on display; an expanded retail tour day; and the new retail produce manager scheme which is designed to engage the produce industry at the consumer, retail level.

CPMA’s Convention & Trade Show is hosted in a cyclical fashion, visiting the same four Canadian cities – Montréal, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver – every four years.