Episode 22—Conversations with Retailers Part IV

This month on the podcast we continue our year long conversation with Eric Biddiscombe. from Loblaw, and Jean-Guy Mazerolle, formerly of Co-op Atlantic.  In this episode, we explore the different nature of the relationships with international vendors and some of the challenges that come up with sourcing international product.

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Episode 21—Village Farms Landfill Gas Project

This month we connect with Village Farms to discuss a new study that they have commissioned to examine the feasibility of using gas from retired landfills as a source of carbon dioxide.  Jonathan Bos a development director from Village Farms is able to join us to walk us through how the project came about, what are the potential benefits, and the partners they have gained along the way.

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Episode 20—Greenhouse On The Go!

There are many different ways that partners in the produce supply chain help to drive the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.  We have already done a podcast on the CPMA's major program the Half Your Plate program.
In this episode we connect with a member that is creating consumer education opportunities all over the place by using a mobile greenhouse.  Peter Quiring, President of Nature Fresh Farms joins us to discuss the project, how it all started, and some of the conversations he's having with people along the way.

You can check out the Nature Fresh Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for some great pictures of the mobile greenhouse in action.

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Episode 19 - Conversations with Retailers III Vendor Relationships

We continue to connect with retail members of the CPMA to discuss issues relevant to the produce industry. This is the third part of our conversation with Jean-Guy Mazerolle from Co-op Atlantic and Eric Biddiscombe from Loblaw.  In this episode, we discuss what it takes to build and manage business relationships between vendors and retailers.

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Episode 18 – CPMA Chair Address

In this episode we are pleased to bring you the speech from the new chair of CPMA, Mike Furi, of The Grocery People. Mike addressed the members in attendance to describe some of the activities that he expects CPMA to accomplish over the coming year including upcoming Town Hall events.

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Episode 17 - Conversations with Retailers - Session 2

Over the course of the coming year we will be connecting with retail members of the CPMA to discuss issues relevant to the produce industry. This is the second of our conversations where we connect with Jean-Guy Mazerolle from Co-op Atlantic and Eric Biddiscombe from Loblaw to discuss expectations when working with vendors.

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Episode 16 The Half Your Plate Program

In this episode we will learn about this joint initiative from The Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Public Health Association and the Canadian Cancer Society to improve fruit and veggie consumption in Canada. Featured are Sue Lewis, Director of Market Development at CPMA; Carol Harrison, a Registered Dietician; and finally Ethan Adeland - Managing Director, Partnerships & Marketing with Food Bloggers of Canada Inc.

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Episode 15 - Conversations with Retailers - Session 1, Upcoming and Continuing Trends in Produce

Over the course of the coming year we will be connecting with retail members of the CPMA to discuss issues relevant to the produce industry. This is the first of our conversations where we connect with Jean-Guy Mazerolle from Co-Op Atlantic to discuss upcoming and ongoing trends for 2015.

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Episode 14 - Migration Nation

In Canada, as in many counties, immigration is the main driver behind population growth to the tune of roughly 250,000 people per year. With this growth comes an opportunity to tap into a customer base that can be incredibly loyal. This seems pretty important as according to CPMA research 1st Generation Canadians spend more on Fresh produce and shop more often. Joining us this month on the podcast are Robin Brown and Kathy Chen with Environics and the authors of, “Migration Nation,” a book that explores the growing cultural diversity in Canada.

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Episode 13 - Passion for Produce

In this episode we explore the Passion for Produce program offered annually at the CPMA Convention & Trade Show. This program is a once in a lifetime educational opportunity to learn about the produce industry and interact with a group of industry leaders as program mentors. Eric Biddiscombe from Loblaw joins us to discuss the program and how it came about.

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