Wednesday, April 9
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
Sustainability’s Shifting Landscape
Government sustainability policies are evolving, with some regulations being relaxed due to changing federal administrations worldwide seeking to soften the impacts of these policies. Despite this, sustainability remains a top priority for the fresh produce industry, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations continuing to shape and impact individual organizations and entire industries. Industry sustainability experts from across the supply chain will share their views on how best to navigate this evolving landscape.
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
Building Public Trust
Consumers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the food they choose but also more aware of, and potentially critical of, food producers if they believe the social side of production is in question. Issues like forced labour, foreign/temporary worker treatment, safe and environmentally responsible production and adherence to social responsibilities in general are considered, talked about and sometimes challenged. A focus on building trust with consumers means telling grower stories, demonstrating compliance with audits and much more. In this session, industry members will talk about some of the efforts to demonstrate why consumers should have trust in the food produced for their tables.
Thursday, April 10
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
Marketing Produce as Costs Increase
Increases in production and distribution costs continue to push food costs up and with rising prices consumers have become both more savvy in making choices, but also more vocal in criticism of threats to their food security. Shrinkflation, concerns about value and so much more make marketing of produce even more important, and challenging, in today’s marketplace. What is the story to tell? How do you convince consumers of the value in your product? Is there something besides price that can drive their purchases? Representatives across the supply chain will talk about their organization’s marketing to ensure consumer value and confidence.
1:15 pm – 1:45 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
Mentoring’s Role in Professional Development
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.” Mentors help young professionals to achieve their potential by encouragement, insight and empowering them to envision what they can be. Join these mentors and mentees as they explain what mentoring means in their professional life including advice given and actions to achieve success.
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
A Code of Conduct for Canada
Following agreement from all major retailers to participate in the industry-led Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, and the establishment of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Adjudication Office, implementation of the Code has begun. Work will advance to bring more fairness, transparency, and predictability to Canada’s grocery supply chain and for consumers. What could that mean for your business? Join a group of key players, including the newly appointed President and Adjudicator, to find out more.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm, Trade Show floor- Booth 100
The Only Constant is Change: A Buyer’s Perspective
Each year CPMA brings a group of buying organizations together to speak to their priorities, what new challenges they are facing and what their expectations are from their vendor/suppliers. It’s a new world for many as trade challenges escalate at the same time that consumers have an increased focus on the food they eat and who is providing it. As markets potentially shift and the leadership of our largest trading partner becomes more domestically focused, this panel will consider what that could mean in the near and longer term.