The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) celebrated the achievements of individuals who have helped to grow the produce industry during the 2023 OPMA Awards Gala.
Held on November 24 at the Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, Ont. hundreds of growers, suppliers and retailers attended the “fire and ice” themed evening that featured a menu with Ontario produce.
Grocery Business’ Mary Scianna and Larry Bonikowsky attended the event.
Metro Ontario team from left: Joseph Patton, Carmelo Bondi, Sydney Dunlop, Ariel Nevado and Stephen Digirolamo Loblaw team: Back from left: Greg Palmer,Jason Haug and Mike Giarratano. From row from left: Sarah Iannuzzi, Sebastien Kmiecik, Victoria Aitken and Justin GaribaldiSobey team: From left: Phil Abatecola, Ryan Ong, Liron Meshel, a 2023 Grocery Business/CPMA Oustanding Women in Produce recipient, and Jennifer HaltonGambles team: From left: Shraddha Vanga, Anette and Giovanni Mammone, Dustin and Rochelle Sardinha, a 2023 Grocery Business/CPMA Oustanding Women in Produce recipient, Jennifer Giles and Summer FuruyaMucci team: From left: Dallas Macor, Stephan Cowan, Jenny Arias and Tyler JonesSilvana Tsanis, National Brands with Grocery Business’ Larry BonikowskyTeam Earth Fresh FarmsTeam Ippolito ProduceCristina Hambly, Alexa Hambly, Gwillimdale Farms with Sue Lewis, Canadian Produce Marketing AssociationAmanda Knauff, Kevin Silver and Cristina Di Ielsi, Taylor FarmsMike Catalano, Wonderful Sales, recipient of the Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year awardLeah Hardy, Wonderful Sales, recipient of the OPMA Fresh awardInaugural Women’s Produce Network Awards from left: Nadia Kobylka, Vineland Growers Co-op; Madison Hopper, accepting the award on behalf of recipient Jennie Coleman, Equifruit; Zanelle Hough, Nature Fresh Farms; with WPN committee members Leah Hardy, Wonderful Sales; and Amanda Knauff, Taylor FarmsJoe DaSilva, Ippolito Produce, Lifetime Achievement recipientOPMA team from left: Dee Klemann, Sandra Ulewicz and interim OPMA president Michelle BroomBen Alviano, Dole; Zanelle Hough, Nature Fresh Farms, Steve Roberts, Vineland Growers Co-op; Shreeni Shellikeri, Nature Fresh FarmsDustin Wellman (left), award winners Mike Catalano and Leah Hardy, with Dustin Boyd and Lina Monteith, Wonderful SalesMary Scianna, Grocery Business and Ken Lyons, Midori Bio
