Ontario Produce Marketing Association Announces Winners of Annual Gala Awards; Lisa Thompson Comments
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - Friday, November 18, marked the Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s (OPMA) 31st Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony, and several well-known industry individuals and organizations are now clearing out space on their trophy shelves for their awards. Over 200 people gathered, including Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to celebrate those who took home honors.
“Congratulations to all of the award recipients this year. I appreciate your hard work and dedication in marketing nutritious Ontario produce! Ontarians are looking for and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here at home,” said Thompson. “Your marketing efforts are making a difference in creating a greater awareness of Ontario produce and are also driving a sense of pride in our provincial agri-food industry.”
The OPMA annual awards are presented to individuals or organizations whose efforts have made a significant impact on the Ontario produce industry, a release explained. Among those who took home honors are:
- Paul Mastronardi, Mastronardi Produce®/SUNSET®, OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jane Rhyno, Nature Fresh Farms, Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award
- Gord Watson, Sobeys, OPMA Fresh Award
- Berry Growers of Ontario, OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award
Additionally, the Produce Hero Award, presented to a group of individuals who embody the passion of the produce industry in their everyday work, was given to seven individuals and companies, including Vince Filangeri from Mastronardi Produce, Chris Veillon from Pure Flavor®, Jody Mott from the Holland Marsh Grower’s Association, Madison Hopper from Equifruit, Michael Wexler from Oppy, Stephanie Myles from Nature Fresh Farms, and the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario.
To read more about the winners and each award, click here.
Cheers to these industry names and organizations for their achievements!
