Peppe Bonfiglio of Mastronardi Produce® Discusses CPMA 2026 Showcase

KINGSVILLE, ON - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show will be taking place April 28–30 this year, and industry members are ready to showcase all they have to offer. Peppe Bonfiglio, Vice President of Sales at Mastronardi Produce®, shared what the greenhouse grower has in store.

“SUNSET® is bringing some seriously exciting innovations to CPMA this year! First up is Pop Its™ snack cucumbers, and yes, they're just as fun as they sound. These tiny cucumbers measure up to two inches, making them the smallest cucumbers SUNSET has brought to market. Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing, they're designed to make healthy snacking and lunch packing as effortless as their tagline promises: Pop It, Dip It, Love It™. With a higher Brix level than conventional cucumbers, they deliver a noticeably sweeter, crisper bite, and since they're greenhouse-grown and non-GMO, consumers can feel good about every snack,” Peppe told me. “The brand-new oval carrier is a clever touch, designed to slip right into most car cupholders, while new top seal technology helps keep produce fresher for longer.”

Pop Its have already launched in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and they've also been submitted for this year's CPMA Best Snackable Product Showcase.

“Also turning heads will be the SUNSET Tomato Branch, a stunning on-the-vine presentation of vibrant red micro-grape tomatoes, delicately packaged in a distinctive new triangle package. Submitted for this year's CPMA Packaging Innovation Showcase, this product is a true reflection of the Mastronardi family's legacy of pairing an obsession for flavor with greenhouse innovation and a commitment to quality,” Peppe continued. “The packaging goes far beyond aesthetics; it integrates seamlessly into existing retail systems and signals luxury through high-end finishes and materials, all while remaining recyclable and consumer-friendly. It's the kind of packaging that doesn't just hold a product—it tells a story and sets a new industry standard.”

Peppe pointed out that CPMA always brings incredible energy, and this year is no different. The Mastronardi Produce team is genuinely excited to reconnect with retail partners and industry professionals; there's nothing quite like the face-to-face conversations that happen on a show floor.

“Beyond the relationship-building, we're eager to get real-time reactions to our latest innovations and give attendees a firsthand look at what's on the horizon,” he added. “There's something special about being able to share the story behind a product with the people who will ultimately bring it to consumers. On top of that, the team is looking forward to seeing what's new and trending in the Canadian produce market. CPMA is always a pulse check on where the industry is heading. And with this year's show taking place in Toronto, we're anticipating a fantastic industry turnout and a real buzz on the floor.”

Above all, the Mastronardi Produce team hopes visitors leave the booth inspired, and maybe a little hungry. Flavor is at the heart of everything the brand does, and the booth experience is designed to drive that message home in the most delicious way possible.

“Attendees will have the chance to taste the difference firsthand, with our talented chefs on hand to prepare fresh, creative recipes that showcase just how versatile and vibrant the products can be,” Peppe explained. “Beyond flavor, we also hope to spark some fresh thinking around produce packaging, demonstrating that packaging can be as innovative, intentional, and premium as the product inside. Whether it's the sleek new triangle Tomato Branch package or the cupholder-ready oval Pop Its carrier, the goal is to leave the industry thinking differently about what's possible on the retail shelf.”

Peppe continued, “The countdown is on, and the team simply cannot wait to welcome everyone to booth #521 in Toronto! Whether you're a longtime partner, a curious industry newcomer, or simply someone who loves great-tasting produce, this is one booth you won't want to miss. Come for the innovations, stay for the recipes, and leave with a whole new perspective on what fresh produce can be. See you there!”

Flavor and function will be in the limelight during CPMA, and the Mastronardi Produce booth is certainly not to be missed.