CPMA announces its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

April 9, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Les Mallard, Vice President Sales of Fyffes North America Inc., has been named the 2025 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, recognizing his outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to the produce industry over a remarkable 38-year career.

Growing up in Prince Edward Island, Les’s professional journey began with a degree in Economics from the University of Prince Edward Island, setting the foundation for a career that would have a significant impact on the Canadian produce sector. Les worked with Chiquita Brands for 30 years, from 1987 to 2017, in various key roles, ultimately serving as Country Manager for Canada. Upon his retirement from Chiquita, Les transitioned to a consulting role before joining Fyffes North America in 2018 as Vice President of Sales, Canada.

Les’s contributions extend far beyond his corporate roles. He has been a passionate volunteer and leader within the CPMA, beginning with his service as Entertainment Chair for the 1998 CPMA Convention in Halifax. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Mary Fitzgerald Award, which later evolved into the CPMA Young Professional Award. Throughout his career, Les has served on several CPMA committees, including the Marketing, Membership, and Education Committees, and has been a pivotal figure in driving the Association's initiatives forward.

In 2014, Les expanded his role with CPMA, becoming Chair of the Membership Committee before entering the Executive Committee. His leadership culminated in his term as CPMA Chair in 2019, where he focused on several key mandates, including Innovation and Trade. In recognition of his exemplary work, Les was named Produce Person of the Year in 2019.

Currently, Les continues to serve on the Past Chair Council and is an active member of CPMA’s Passion

for Produce Mentor and Leadership Committees. His deep commitment to the industry and his passion

Source:  Canadian Produce Marketing Association April 10, 2025 news release