“We’re the third largest grower-packer of pickles in North America, and it’s something we’re proud of,” says Carmen Bartucci with CanAm Fresh. While the company mainly serves the processing industry at the moment, it is looking to get more exposure to the fresh market category. “We already service major retailers in Canada, mainly in Ontario and the East Coast, and our pickle cucumbers are available in 3-liter baskets, bushels, and 2 lb. bags, depending on the customer’s demand. Our background is merchandising of produce. We don’t just grow and pack but provide retailers with tools and ideas to sell our pickle cucumbers.”
For the fresh market, the company has developed pickle cucumbers that hardly have any pimples on the outside. They are used as a snack or in salads. Some consumers even do their own pickling. Canam Fresh’s pickle cucumbers are grown year-round, and the crop is handpicked. “Right now, we are harvesting in the Yucatan Peninsula,” said Bartucci. From there, production will move to Ontario on July 7 and then back to Mexico in the fall by mid-September.
Asparagus, squash, and more
While pickle cucumbers are the main item, according to Canam Fresh, they are also the second largest grower-packer of asparagus in Ontario. In addition, the company has a large fall program consisting of squash and pumpkins. “Our conventional and organic hard squash program includes butternut squash, but also spaghetti squash and acorn,” said Bartucci. Bell peppers and Jalapeño peppers are part of the product portfolio as well.
CPMA
Canam Fresh will be exhibiting CPMA next week to connect with retailers in Canada and the US. “We are looking to expand to the East Coast of the US, and this is a great opportunity to meet customers and potential customers face-to-face. It’s a perfect scenario.” Visit Canam Fresh at CPMA next week, booth #840. Representatives from the company’s logistics, operations, supplies, as well as sales & merchandising departments will all be present.
For more information:
Carmen Bartucci
Canam Fresh
Carmen.bartucci@canamfresh.com
www.canamfresh.com