Oleen Smethurst of Costco Wholesale Canada was elected chair of the CPMA at its annual general meeting recently in Montreal. First and second vice chairs are Davis Yung of Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., and Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose Ltee. respectively.

Smethurst has spent half of her 28-year career at Costco Wholesale Canada in produce, based in Ottawa, Ontario. She has grown through the ranks to the position of assistant vice-president, general merchandise manager for produce.

In a brief interview with The Grower, she said, “I’m following the path of innovation in the industry. Food safety will be a big topic going forward. I’m searching for the best flavours in everything. Flavour is the way to drive consumption and keep kids eating healthy.”  

The following directors were elected to the CPMA board:

·         Joe Sbrocchi, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

·         Raffi Krikorian, Goodfood Market Corp.

·         Dan Martin, EarthFresh

·         Mimmo Franzone, Longo Bros. Fruit Markets Inc.

·         David Dube, Krown Produce

·         Robert Johnson, Country Grocer

·         Tom Coleman, Earthbound Farm

·         Brian Slagel, Sunkist Growers, Inc.

        The following members comprise the  2019-2020 CPMA Executive Committee:

      For a complete list of all CPMA board members, visit www.cpma.ca

      Source: Canadian Produce Marketing Association, April 11, 2019 news release