Innovation Zone will debut during Fresh Week

CPMA 2023 will feature an innovation zone at the April 2527, 2023 event in Toronto.

“We are currently looking for companies who can showcase their innovation in this zone,” says Jeff Hall, Innovation Zone coordinator. “The call for applications will close on February 28.”

“Innovation is playing an increasing important role throughout the entire fresh produce food chain,” explains Hall. “Increasing populations, climate change and geopolitical issues are pushing the industry to produce products in new and innovative ways. Consumers are demanding local, nutrient-rich, low-carbon impact options when they visit the grocery store.

Industry is responding by developing robotics, big data analysis, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech revolutions.

At the beginning of the supply chain, growers are using an increasingly varied array of nutrient, moisture, pest, and fertilizer-sensing technology to maximize yields while minimizing the environmental impact.

CPMA’s innovation initiatives are being developed to help members access the information they require. Members range from the very technologically sophisticated to those just beginning to explore their innovation options.

“CPMA has been going through a process of continual improvement for what and how we offer information to members,” says Hall. “Our website houses the Produce Innovation Hub which is designed to help members find innovators for specific topics or projects. On our website, there is a repository of published articles and videos dealing with a broad range of innovative topics.”

This year’s CPMA convention and trade show will feature the inaugural CPMA Innovation Zone.

The Zone is designed to help innovators in making “first contact” with the larger produce industry with the goal of fostering beneficial business partnerships. Contact jhall@cpma.ca