Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The CPMA Convention and Trade Show is a premier event for the fresh produce industry, taking place from April 13-15, 2027 in Vancouver, Canada.
This convention provides a unique opportunity for networking and education, bringing together major stakeholders from the retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors.
CPMA Convention and Trade Show takes place in Toronto, Canada.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: CPMA Convention and Trade Show runs April 13-15, 2027 in Vancouver, Canada.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is Canada's largest fresh produce trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, details available at cpma.ca.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include key stakeholders from retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors.
- 5Entry: Registration details available on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining insights from educational sessions, and exploring the latest products and services in the fresh produce sector. Attendees include key stakeholders from retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at CPMA 2027 offers unparalleled visibility to key decision-makers in the fresh produce industry, providing opportunities to showcase products, generate leads, and build valuable connections. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Fresh fruit and vegetable growers, Packaging suppliers, Food safety technology companies. Position your offer across fresh fruits and vegetables, organic produce, packaging solutions, food safety technologies segments represented.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Retail produce buyers and category managers from grocery chains, mass merchants and independent grocers
Wholesale distributors and fresh produce importers or exporters sourcing year-round supply
Foodservice procurement teams from restaurant groups, caterers and institutional kitchens
Grower-shippers and packers evaluating retail programmes, packaging formats and promotions
Cold chain, logistics and customs specialists handling perishable produce
Packaging, labelling and food safety technology suppliers
Sustainability and agtech leads focused on water, energy and waste reduction
Marketing and merchandising teams planning in-store produce campaigns
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Fresh fruit and vegetable grower-shippers, including greenhouse, berry, apple, potato, onion and tropical suppliers
Importers, exporters and year-round supply programme managers
Packaging and labelling suppliers for clamshells, trays, films and compostable formats
Cold chain, refrigerated transport and logistics providers
Food safety, traceability and quality assurance technology companies
Agtech, irrigation, greenhouse automation and post-harvest equipment suppliers
Retail display, merchandising and shopper marketing agencies
Sustainability consultants and produce waste-reduction solution providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fresh fruits including berries, apples, pears, stone fruit, citrus and tropicals
Fresh vegetables including greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, leafy greens and root crops
Organic produce
Value-added and ready-to-eat produce
Bulk and consumer packaging including clamshells, trays, films and labels
Cold chain and refrigerated logistics services
Food safety, traceability and quality assurance systems
Post-harvest handling, ripening and storage technology
Retail display and merchandising solutions
Sustainability and waste-reduction programmes
Location & Facilities
Venue
Vancouver
Toronto, Canada
Facilities
Parking
Vancouver in Toronto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Vancouver in Toronto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Vancouver for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Toronto, Canada
Why it matters
On 2027-04-13 to 2027-04-15, CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Toronto covering Fresh fruits and vegetables, Organic produce, Packaging solutions, Food safety technologies, Logistics services, Agricul gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CAD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Primary international gateway for overseas and North American flights; allow extra time for customs and baggage
TBA
to venue
Approx. 30-50 min by car or taxi depending on traffic; UP Express rail to Union Station is an alternative
by car
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Regional carrier airport convenient for downtown stays, but with fewer international connections than YYZ
TBA
to venue
Approx. 10-20 min to downtown hotels after the island transfer, traffic dependent
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Park Inn by Radisson Toronto-Markham
3-star
Markham, Greater Toronto AreaUSD 90–130 / night
Suburban option near York Region grower-shipper and food-processing offices; plan GO Transit or a car to reach downtown show activities.
Stay Inn Express Toronto
2-star
TorontoUSD 110–160 / night
Budget-oriented city hotel; confirm room type, neighbourhood and TTC access before booking.
Pod-Inn Hotel
Budget
TorontoUSD 90–130 / night
Compact budget rooms; best for solo travellers who value a central base over room size.
Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport by IHG
4-star
Airport corridor, YYZUSD 150–210 / night
Four-star airport hotel in the capture with paid breakfast and free Wi-Fi; suits early departures and UP Express transfers to Union Station more than downtown walking access.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Subway / streetcar / bus (TTC)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forUnion Station and downtown hotels to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre area
Line 1 connects Union Station to St Andrew and Osgoode; streetcars serve waterfront and downtown east-west corridors.
UP Express airport train
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Union Station
Fastest rail link between YYZ and downtown; from Union Station continue by TTC, taxi or walk to the convention district.
GO Transit regional train / bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGreater Toronto Area suburbs including Markham to Union Station
Useful for suburban hotels; check line-specific schedules and weekend service before booking.
Taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forToronto Pearson (YYZ) or downtown hotel to the convention centre
Traffic on the Gardiner Expressway can add time; keep a buffer before opening sessions.
Rideshare
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown Toronto and airport pickups
Use designated pickup zones at YYZ and major venues; allow extra time during show mornings.
Parking
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forMetro Toronto Convention Centre and nearby lots
Nearby lots fill quickly on show mornings; pre-book where possible.
Taxi from Billy Bishop airport
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forBilly Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to downtown hotels
The island transfer is required before road transport; allow extra time with luggage.
taxi
Estimated costCAD 45–85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forBilly Bishop Toronto City Airport (LCY) to Vancouver
Weather
Mid-April in Toronto is a shoulder season: temperatures swing between cool mornings and mild afternoons, and rain showers are common, so pack a waterproof layer and comfortable walking shoes for transit and venue transfers. Air quality during the capture window showed a US AQI near 57 and PM2.5 around 14 ug/m3 (Open-Meteo forecast, not on-site measurement); sensitive travellers should check local advisories before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Canada's main mobile networks include Rogers, Bell and Telus; check roaming costs or buy a travel eSIM before arrival. Public Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, but venue Wi-Fi access and capacity should be confirmed with the organiser. Canada uses 120V Type A/B power outlets, so bring an adapter for UK, EU or Australian plugs.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
Toronto uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards are widely accepted at hotels, transit fare machines and restaurants, but keep a small amount of cash for street-level vendors.
Business etiquette at the show
CPMA conversations are appointment-driven; confirm meeting times in advance, bring English sell sheets and follow up quickly after the show. Canadians tend to be direct but courteous in business settings.
Getting oriented
Downtown Toronto is walkable around Union Station and the convention district. TTC maps at subway entrances and the City of Toronto getting-around guide help plan streetcar and subway routes.
Tipping and etiquette
Tipping is customary in Canadian restaurants and for taxi rides; check the printed bill for suggested percentages before paying.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LCY
No usable fare samples were captured for this event, so no flight prices are published. Compare refundable fares into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for international and mainline carriers, or Billy Bishop (YTZ) for regional flights, then confirm UP Express, TTC or taxi transfers to your hotel. Allow extra time for customs on arrival day.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Toronto Pearson International Airport: Approx. 30-50 min by car or taxi depending on traffic; UP Express rail to Union Station is an alternative; Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (LCY): Approx. 10-20 min to downtown hotels after the island transfer, traffic dependent. Allow road or rail time to Vancouver; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Vancouver: Markham, Greater Toronto Area: Park Inn by Radisson Toronto-Markham; Toronto: Stay Inn Express Toronto; Toronto: Pod-Inn Hotel.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto. Use designated pickup zones at YYZ and major venues; downtown trips typically cost approx. CAD 15-35, with higher prices during surge periods. Confirm the app quote before booking.
Public transit: The TTC subway, streetcar and bus network connects Union Station with the convention district; use a PRESTO card or contactless payment where available. GO Transit serves GTA suburbs including Markham, and UP Express links YYZ to Union Station. Check operator timetables for show-week service changes.
Parking: Paid parking is available in the convention-centre complex and nearby downtown lots. Expect approx. CAD 20-40 per day during show days, with higher event rates possible; confirm the current rate and hall access before arrival.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Approx. 3-14 C (37-57 F) in mid-April; frost is possible at night and mild afternoons are common, so check a forecast closer to travel dates
Seasonality: April is a wet, windy shoulder month in Toronto; rain showers and grey days are common, and lakefront wind can make temperatures feel cooler than the forecast.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for TTC and GO Transit transfers. Bring a light warm layer for cool evenings near the lake and a business-casual outfit for show-floor meetings.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CPMA Convention and Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Book a refundable Toronto hotel in the downtown core or airport corridor, depending on your flight times.
Day 2
Map must-see exhibitors by category: grower-shippers, greenhouse, packaging, cold chain, food safety and agtech.
Day 3
Request meetings with retail buyers, distributors and suppliers before the show floor opens.
Day 4
Check TTC, UP Express and GO Transit schedules for hotel-to-venue connections and allow extra time on show mornings.
Day 5
Prepare a short list of packaging, labelling and traceability questions for supplier conversations.
Day 6
Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes for transit and convention-centre walking.; Download the show app or save the schedule page for session and show-floor updates.
Day 7
Confirm whether any retailer or buyer meetings require advance product samples or documentation.
Day 8
Leave buffer time for customs or airport transfers if arriving on the opening morning.
Day 9
Confirm your CPMA registration status and bring government ID matching the badge name to pickup.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Vancouver
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CPMA Convention and Trade Show registration concourse
Vancouver
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Vancouver
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCA$190.00
- Per diem × 2CA$150.00
Estimated totalCA$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether CPMA Convention and Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For CPMA Convention and Trade Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Fresh fruits and vegetables and Organic produce solutions and benchmarking suppliers at CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Toronto.
Min. budget
$781.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Fresh fruits and vegetables and Organic produce products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,514.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Toronto show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Which airport should I fly into for a Toronto trade show at the convention centre?
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) handles most international arrivals and connects to downtown by the UP Express train, GO Transit, TTC, taxi or rideshare. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is closer to the waterfront and is served mainly by regional carriers.
How do I get from my hotel to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre?
From downtown hotels, walk or take a TTC subway or streetcar service to the Union Station area and continue on foot to the convention centre. From airport-corridor hotels, take the UP Express to Union Station and transfer to TTC or walk. Taxis and rideshares cover direct door-to-door trips.
Where should I stay if I want to keep costs down in Toronto?
The Google Travel capture lists budget and mid-range options including Pod-Inn Hotel, Stay Inn Express Toronto and Park Inn by Radisson Toronto-Markham. Outer Greater Toronto Area hotels such as the Markham property are cheaper but add a longer commute to the downtown convention district.
What is the weather like in Toronto in mid-April?
Mid-April is a spring shoulder season with cool mornings, mild afternoons and frequent rain showers. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes for transit transfers.
What currency is used in Toronto?
The local currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards are widely accepted at hotels and transit machines, but small cash is useful for street-level vendors.
Glossary
- TTC
- Toronto Transit Commission, the operator of Toronto's subway, streetcar and bus network used to reach the convention district.
- UP Express
- Dedicated rail service linking Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with Union Station in downtown Toronto.
- GO Transit
- Regional train and bus network connecting Greater Toronto Area suburbs such as Markham with Union Station.
- YYZ
- IATA code for Toronto Pearson International Airport, the main international gateway for the city.
- YTZ
- IATA code for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the downtown waterfront airport used mainly by regional carriers.
- MTCC
- Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the downtown convention facility referenced in venue captures for Toronto trade shows.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CPMA 2027
- fresh produce convention
- Toronto produce event
- Canada produce trade
- CPMA Convention and Trade Show 2027
- CPMA Convention and Trade Show Toronto 2027
- CPMA Convention 2027
- CPMA Convention Toronto 2027
- CPMA Toronto 2027
- Toronto Canada
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.