David Dubé Named CPMA Chair for 2026-2027
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has named David Dubé of Krown Produce as its 2026-2027 chair, placing a longtime produce executive and industry advocate at the helm during a period of ongoing trade and supply chain uncertainty.
The announcement was made during the 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show held in Toronto, where Dubé officially assumed the leadership role following his appointment by the association’s board.
Dubé is well known throughout the produce business as the leader of Krown Produce, Krown Imports and The LID Company, all operating under parent company Concorde Group Corp., which he purchased in 1996. Over the years, he has built a reputation as both a produce executive and active industry supporter, serving on numerous boards and committees across both the business and nonprofit sectors.
Within CPMA, Dubé has spent years involved in leadership and governance activities, including service on the Executive Committee, Human Resources Committee and Government Issue Management Committee. He has also remained active in mentoring younger professionals through CPMA’s Passion for Produce program, an initiative focused on developing emerging leaders within the industry.
In announcing his priorities for the coming year, Dubé emphasized the importance of trade stability, affordability and increased produce consumption at a time when the industry continues navigating economic pressures and shifting consumer habits.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me to serve as CPMA’s 2026-2027 Chair,” Dubé said. “The produce industry has played a vital role throughout my career, shaping the business principles that have guided me as an entrepreneur and produce professional.”
Dubé said one of his major priorities during his term will be advocating for a “fair and tariff-free trading environment,” an issue that continues to draw attention throughout North America as produce companies deal with supply chain pressures, rising costs and trade disruptions. He also highlighted the need to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible while encouraging higher fruit and vegetable consumption to support public health and wellness.
The appointment comes at an important time for the produce industry in Canada and beyond. Rising operating costs, labor shortages, transportation challenges and evolving consumer expectations continue reshaping the fresh produce business, placing added emphasis on industry collaboration and advocacy.
CPMA represents more than 900 member companies across the fresh produce supply chain and is considered one of the industry’s most influential trade organizations in Canada. According to the association, the produce sector contributes more than $18 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and supports more than 187,000 jobs nationwide.
Dubé will be supported by an executive committee that includes representatives from wholesale, retail and grower-shipper sectors, reflecting the broad scope of the association’s membership. Steve Bamford of Fresh Advancements will serve as past chair, while Metro Richelieu’s Steve Boulianne and Costco Wholesale Canada’s Andrea Vandergrift were named first and second vice chair, respectively.
As CPMA moves into its next leadership cycle, Dubé’s appointment signals a continued focus on advocacy, collaboration and long-term industry growth as the produce sector faces both challenges and opportunities in the evolving marketplace.
