Gwillimdale Farms Readies for 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show; Kshama Joshi Comments

BRADFORD, ONTARIO, CANADA - Since launching its Arterra™ Rainbow carrots last year, Gwillimdale Farms continues to raise the bar across its portfolio.

“Going into CPMA this year, a big focus for us is really showing how we’ve grown, not just in size, but in how we think about what we offer and how we show up,” begins Kshama Joshi, Marketing Manager, as we discuss how the company is preparing for the upcoming Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show. "We’ve been working on new products, sustainable packaging, and messaging that make sense for today’s consumer—things that are easy to use, versatile, and still rooted in quality.”

Part of Gwillimdale Farms’ recent growth is the company’s groundbreaking Arterra Rainbow carrots line.

“Our rainbow carrots are one of those products that naturally grab attention. The mix of purples, yellows, and oranges really stands out on shelf, but what makes them stick is the quality behind them,” Kshama explains. “They’re grown with the same consistency and care we put into all our products, so you’re not trading off reliability for something that looks different.”

Each color brings its own nutritional value, since the different pigments in deep purple and bright yellow carry different antioxidants. It’s a chance for shoppers to get even more nutritional value for their money without adding another product to the basket.

“One thing we love is how much kids are drawn to them. The colors make them fun, a bit more exciting than your everyday carrot, and that goes a long way in getting kids more interested in eating vegetables. It’s a simple shift, but it makes a real difference for families,” Kshama says. “From a retail standpoint, they help bring some energy to the category and create that 'something new' moment without being unfamiliar. For foodservice, they’re an easy way to elevate a dish, adding visual appeal without adding complexity.”

Visual appeal is top of mind for Gwillimdale Farms in multiple ways. "In terms of its brand design overall, the company’s booth design reflects the visual path ahead.

“The booth really comes back to one core idea for us—freshness never goes out of season—and everything builds from there,” she adds. “We’ve brought in our brand colors in a stronger, more intentional way this year, so the space feels very ‘us’ right away—fresh, vibrant, and grounded in what we grow. It’s clean and product-forward, but still warm and inviting.

Creating an experience is another element of the booth that Gwillimdale Farms wishes to elevate.

“We’re bringing in more food inspiration, more real-life applications, showing our vegetables in a way that feels relevant, usable, yet unique. There’s a bit more creativity, a bit more storytelling,” Kshama notes. “We’re also leaning into innovation in a practical way. Not just for the sake of doing something different, but to show how our products can adapt across retail and foodservice in ways that actually drive value.”

Demonstrating the versatility of the products will be top of mind throughout the show, as Gwillimdale Farms aims to highlight the multiple applications across its portfolio.

“When partners walk through, we want them to not only see the quality but also start thinking about possibilities of how these products can work across categories, menus, seasons, and displays. It’s about making that connection between what we grow and how it can actually drive value for them, irrespective of which season of the year it is,” Kshama says. “Plus, the product versatility holds up over time. Season after season, year after year, our products continue to adapt to different uses, changing consumer trends, or new menu ideas. We’re not just offering a product for one moment; we’re offering something partners can build for the long-term, knowing it will stay relevant and continue to perform.”

To learn more about the company’s evolution and continuing momentum, be sure to stop by booth #1120.