The Ontario produce industry's hardworking individuals were honored on Friday night at the Ontario Produce Marketing Association's (OPMA) 33rd Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony. Close to 300 people from across the industry gathered in person at the Bellvue Manor in Vaughan where the awards were presented.
"We are proud to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts on promoting the fresh produce industry in Ontario. We know they work tirelessly on supporting the industry all year, and our Gala and Award Ceremony is the night they get to be recognized on stage and receive the recognition they deserve," says Rebecca Harris, OPMA president.
Sal Sarraino's family accepting the OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
OPMA Fresh Award: This award, presented to an individual who demonstrates a fervent determination to improve the quality, distribution, or consumption of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside of Ontario in 2024, was awarded to Cristina Di lelsi, national account manager at Taylor Farms.
The Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award: Clack-Streef was a former OPMA President who passed away from breast cancer in 2007. This year, the award was presented to George Gilvesy, who recently retired as Board Chair for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association (OGVG) after many years of dedicated service.
OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award: This award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the produce industry through its efforts to improve the quality and distribution of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the province of Ontario. This year's award was given to Dr. Martin Gooch, CEO of VCM International.
OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented annually to an individual who dedicated many years of their life to improving the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, this year it was awarded to the late Sal Sarraino, CEO from Fresh Taste Produce.
OPMA Women's Produce Network (WPN) Committee Awards: 2024 marked the second year for the OPMA Women's Produce Network Committee Award which was created to recognize women who have contributed to the produce industry's growth and development. This award is sponsored by Taylor Farms, Wonderful Sales, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).
This year, two winners were selected: in the junior category, this year's winner is Jessica Wynne, sustainability specialist and sales associate from Pfenning's Organic Farms. The senior-level winner of the OPMA WPN Award is Jennifer Hatton, quality control manager at Sobeys.
The 2024 OPMA Women's Produce Network Award also includes a grand prize of free registration to the Women's Fresh Perspective Conference held by the IFPA in Carlsbad, CA in April 2025, as well as round-trip transportation and accommodations.
For more information:
Mary Haurilak
Ontario Produce Marketing Association
[email protected]