Ron Lemaire

Ron operates in the fast-paced world of perishable products, navigating global regulatory shifts, supply chain disruptions, climate variability, food safety issues, rapid technological change, and evolving consumer demands.

As President of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), he represents over 900 Canadian and international member companies responsible for more than 90% of fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada. These members span the entire supply chain—from grower-packer-shippers to grocery retailers—reflecting the industry’s full diversity.

During the pandemic, Ron actively addressed supply chain disruptions and participated in federal consultations with Transport Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Through CPMA’s North American Trade Working Group, he has helped shape policies impacting the produce sector.

In 2019, he launched CPMA’s Packaging Working Group to identify sustainable approaches to plastic use while preserving food safety and quality.

Ron serves on the board of the Canada Plastics Pact, is a member of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Strategic Advisory Group on Zero Plastic Waste, and co-founded the National Agri-Food Sustainability Index Steering Committee.

He chairs the Global Coalition for Fresh Produce, uniting 10 international associations to build resilient global value chains. He also sits on the interim board for the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.

With 28+ years in the not-for-profit sector, Ron brings strategic leadership in sustainability, advocacy, marketing, and food systems thinking.