Photo Report CPMA Toronto

Why It Matters

The focus on snack‑oriented fresh produce and eco‑friendly packaging signals growing consumer demand and opens new revenue streams for growers and retailers across North America.

Key Takeaways

• Tomatoes dominate showcase amid industry supply constraints
• Canadian growers lead with snack‑ready and sauce tomatoes
• New cucumber, mini‑pepper varieties gain exhibitor interest
• Sustainable packaging gains visibility at trade show
• Longo’s presence hints at retail uptake of fresh produce

Pulse Analysis

The CPMA Convention + Trade Show serves as a bellwether for North American fresh‑produce trends, and the 2026 Toronto edition underscored a tightening tomato market. With field tomatoes scarce, growers turned to greenhouse production, positioning Canada as a reliable source for both sauce and snack varieties. This shift reflects broader supply‑chain adjustments, where controlled‑environment agriculture mitigates weather‑related volatility and meets rising demand for consistent, high‑quality fruit.

Beyond tomatoes, the show highlighted product diversification aimed at the snacking segment. Red Sun Farms’ Chef’s Collection, Mastronardi’s Pop Its cucumbers, and Mucci Farms’ CuteCucumber cater to consumers seeking convenient, ready‑to‑eat options. The introduction of seedless mini peppers further illustrates growers’ push toward novel, bite‑size produce that fits on‑the‑go lifestyles. Parallel to product innovation, sustainable packaging took center stage, with paper carry packs and a recyclable top‑seal for Del Fresco Pure’s cherry tomatoes, aligning with retailer and shopper expectations for reduced plastic waste.

For retailers, the presence of Longo’s executives signals a strategic move to stock these emerging items, anticipating higher margins and stronger shopper loyalty. Supply‑chain partners can leverage the demonstrated demand to negotiate better terms with Canadian growers, while the upcoming 2027 Vancouver show offers a platform to track evolving trends. Overall, the Toronto showcase confirms that fresh‑produce operators who invest in specialty varieties and eco‑friendly packaging are poised to capture a larger share of the increasingly health‑conscious, sustainability‑driven market.