On the Horizon
Home to a prolific fresh produce industry—spanning six provinces in varying measure—Canada East is a force to be reckoned with in fruit and vegetable production. From Quebec’s succulent fruit to Ontario’s state-of-the-art greenhouse operations, there’s plenty for wholesalers to divvy up and send around the country and export to the United States and beyond.
As long as growers, receivers, and retailers continue to adapt and innovate, they will overcome the requisite challenges and prosper. Change is everywhere and constant.
“The future of our produce industry will be one of change,” Russell confirms. “The wholesale and retail produce sector will continue to interact amongst all sources of supply to meet the increasing demand for fresh and safe fruits and vegetables.”
Part of change is recruiting and maintaining the next generation. “I’m glad to see new blood in the business, it’s healthy for the industry,” says Hamill, whose son recently joined his business. “This younger generation is quite adaptable; they have new and different ideas, and it will help to develop business in different ways.”
When asked about the future of eastern Canada’s produce industry, Pitsikoulis puts it simply: “Onward and upward.”
Images: gvictoria, Kzenon/Shutterstock.com
