Ontario produce industry’s finest shine at the OPMA Annual Awards

November 19, 2018

Six of the Ontario produce industry’s brightest and best were honored at the Ontario Produce Marketing Association 27th annual Gala & Awards Ceremony.

The OPMA Annual Awards are presented to individuals or organizations whose efforts have made a significant impact on the Ontario produce industry. Five hundred people from across the Ontario produce industry gathered at the Universal Event Space in Vaughan, ON, to celebrate the industry and recognize the achievements of the five award-winners.

The Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals who work tirelessly to improve the consumption of fruits and vegetables through innovation and hard work. The 2018 award went to Carl Mastronardi from Del Fresco Pure for his outstanding work developing and expanding the Ontario greenhouse strawberry industry. The full-lighting systems and large expansion led by Mastronardi means high-quality, locally grown strawberries can be available in Ontario 10 months of the year.

The OPMA Fresh Award, presented to a young individual who demonstrates a fervent determination to improve the quality, distribution or consumption of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside of Ontario during 2018, was awarded to Phil Burkholder from Rouge River Farms.

Michelle Broom, OPMA president, said, “These two award winners represent the future of the Ontario produce industry; their innovative approach and determination provide inspiration for the entire industry to strive for continuous improvement.”

The OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to an individual or organization, individual retail store, that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the produce industry through their efforts to improve the quality and distribution of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the province of Ontario, was awarded to Ken Lyons from Blue Mountain Fruit Co. for his foresight and dedication in establishing the Red Prince apple as a high-value product for the Ontario produce industry.

Lastly, the OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who dedicated many years of their lives to improving the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, was awarded to two very deserving individuals: Ron Webb, who previously worked at Dole; and Lewis Collins, who previously worked at Stronach & Sons before retiring.

OPMA Chair Joe Dutchyn said, “The OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges individuals who have helped shape the world-class produce industry we have today in Ontario. I congratulate both Ron and Lewis and thank them for their life-long contribution to our industry.”