LEAMINGTON, ON - Canadian-grown fresh produce is currently in the spotlight as the industry prepares to land in Montreal, Canada, on April 8 for the kickoff of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) annual convention and trade show. Pure Flavor® is tapping into this opportunity to explore the latest marketing trends, deepen its industry connections, and more.

“The CPMA show is a fantastic forum that unites the Canadian produce industry in networking, learning, and showcasing all that we have to offer to the Canadian market,” said Julia Shreve, Marketing Director. “It also allows for important discussions about ever-changing trends and regulatory and governmental policies that affect the industry today and in the future. It’s inspiring to gather with industry peers to see how together, we are addressing both industry opportunities and challenges—in the end, we’re all united by our passion for produce!”

Pure Flavor will showcase a few premium culinary staples during this year’s convention and trade show, including its new Rocco Reds™: The Chef’s Tomato™ and popular Seedless Mini Peppers.

“We are very excited about our new Rocco Reds™: The Chef’s Tomato™,” Julia shared. “We’ve already seen good success with this new item. Our second crop is fully sold-out, and we are taking orders now for our third crop which will be planted in the Spring for Fall production. We believe the bold red color and robust flavor of this premium on-the-vine tomato will stand out within a category segment that doesn’t typically offer this level of quality and flavor.”

“Rocco Reds™ offer better flavor, color, and quality than your average Roma tomato,” Julia continued. “Their compact size gives them an intense tomato flavor and a rich red color inside and out. As an on-the-vine tomato, it also augments the sensory experience, and we know that both appearance and aroma are important factors that help drive purchases in the category. Lastly, it’s offered in a paperboard tray, which removes uncertainty about recyclability.”

In addition to its Rocco Reds, Pure Flavor will showcase its ultra-convenient Craft House Collection® Seedless Mini Peppers. With a satisfying crunch, bright colors, and sweet flavor, these peppers make snacking easy and entice adults and kids alike.

“Excellent flavor is a big driver of purchase, and it’s also become an expectation as the produce category continues to expand with new varieties and offerings. New products should check that box first and foremost. From there, we see the need for convenience as a trend that continues to be very important for busy consumers. Any way to make it easier for them to incorporate healthy eating into their lives is valuable,” Julia explained. “Highlighting how easy it is to eat/use products like our Seedless Mini Peppers can help reinforce the idea of convenience.”

The focus on a dish’s aesthetic appeal is another rising trend in the food space.

“Another trend we’re seeing is the desire to be inspired by how the visual appearance can elevate any dish,” Julia added. “Driven by the continued prevalence of social media and its ability to showcase recipes with beautiful visual appeal, products with vibrant or unique color—like the vibrant red of our Rocco Reds™ tomato or the uniquely two-toned appearance of our Tiki Tomatoes™—can influence unplanned purchases as consumers become more experimental in the kitchen.”

To explore the opportunities provided by this flavor-forward lineup further, be sure to visit Pure Flavor at booth #2407 during the CPMA show!