Peak of the Market is a grower-owned “not for profit” vegetable supplier and operates in Manitoba under the Farm Products Marketing Act. Peak of the Market has grown quality produce in Manitoba for 71 years and supplies over 120 different varieties of Manitoba grown vegetables. We are year round suppliers of various vegetables as Manitoba growers have one of the most technologically advanced storage programs anywhere in North America. Many vegetables can be stored for long periods in controlled environment storage facilities. In these storage facilities, the temperature, humidity and air movement are carefully monitored to ensure the vegetables are maintained in optimum condition to provide excellent quality and value to consumers. Some of the vegetables that can be stored for long periods are Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Parsnips, Beets, Cabbage and Shallots.

Peak of the Market vegetables have the well-deserved reputation for excellent quality. Our quality standards exceed the national standards and we stand behind the produce we grow. Peak of the Market was one of the first produce suppliers in North America to have a toll free consumer response line to address any consumer concerns.

Peak of the Market, along with its growers, employs over 1,000 Manitobans and injects over 70 million dollars a year into the economy. In addition to shipping vegetables in Canada, we also ship throughout the United States, and occasionally into Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Peak of the Market's last nineteen years, 1994/95 to 2012/2013, have proven to be the highest sales years in the company's 71-year history. These record-breaking sales were accomplished by obtaining sales in markets across North America including California, Florida, Texas and Washington. These areas also produce a large supply of vegetables but they recognize the quality and taste difference that Peak of the Market vegetables provide.

Bio on Larry McIntosh, President & CEO of Peak of the Market

Larry joined Peak of the Market in 1994 and under his leadership; the company has had its 19 best sales years in its 71-year history. Peak of the Market was named one of "Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies" and one of the “Top 100 Canadian Food & Beverage Companies”. The company has also received numerous awards including the “Agri-Food Award of Excellence” and "The Red Book Business Character Award" for its high ethical trading practices, business competence and financial stability. It has also received “The People Forward Award” for its rewards, recognition and retention strategy for its staff and “The Excellence in Leadership Award” for human resource programs that have resulted in measurable benefits for its employees. In addition, the “HSBC Bank Canada Business Award” which recognizes businesses that encourage employee volunteerism and the “Canada Brand Award” for initiatives that honour the value of Canada’s brand image for respecting high standards of quality, wholesomeness and environmental protection.

Larry also hosts a weekly show on the most listened to radio station in Manitoba, 680 CJOB and at www.CJOB.com, called “Food & Friends with Peak of the Market’s Larry McIntosh”. He interviews interesting Manitobans every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. CST.

Larry has been honoured to receive several awards including:

“Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” in 2012. This medal is presented to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

“Great Friend to Kids Award” in 2012 as awarded by the Children’s Museum. This award honours individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to enriching the lives of children.

“Top 25 Most Influential People in Produce” in 2010 as named by The Packer Newspaper based out of Kansas, USA.

“Golden Carrot Award for Community Food Champion”. This award recognizes a business person who has worked towards a more just and sustainable food system. Presented on World Food Day in 2008 by Food Matters Manitoba.

“Businessman of the Year”. The award was given out by the Consumers Choice Institute in 2007. The winner of this award was chosen by Manitobans through an independent and objective survey.

“President’s Award”. This award recognizes an exceptional individual who has set new standards in business excellence, community leadership and the visibility/credibility of the industry. Presented at the Manitoba Food Processors Association Industry Excellence Awards Gala Dinner in 2007.

Lieutenant Governor’s Award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Community” in 2005. The award recognizes a business executive who has made an exceptional contribution to the well being of the community and quality of life in Manitoba.

“Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award” in 2004 for his successful promotion of Manitoba-grown agricultural products throughout the world and his volunteer work in the community.

“Chairmen's Award” in 2003 for outstanding service to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

“Agri-Marketer of the Year Award” from the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association in 2002. This award was to recognize and honour his outstanding accomplishments in the field of agricultural marketing.

"Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal" in 2002. This medal is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their community and their fellow Canadians.

“Qnet Quality Champion Award" in 2001 by the Manitoba Quality Network to recognize individual quality champions.

Larry’s volunteer works includes:

Produce Marketing Association based in Delaware, USA, Director 2010 to 2013

Asper School of Business, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, Board of Advisors 2010 to present (Executive Committee 2011 to 2013)

Canadian Produce Marketing Association based in Ottawa, Ontario, Director 1997 to 2013 (Chair 2007/2008)

Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Past Chair Advisory Council, Chair 2013 to present

Prairie Improvement Network Director 2010 to 2013

Winnipeg Harvest Food Bank Director 1995 to 2010

Produce Marketing Association based in Delaware, USA, International Council Member representing Canada 2006 to 2009

Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Director 2002 to 2008 (Chair 2005/2006)

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Director 1995 to 2008 (Chair 2000/2001)

University of Manitoba Commerce Students’ Association Honourary President 2004/2005

Canadian Chamber of Commerce based in Ottawa, Ontario, Director 2000 to 2002

Manitoba Food Processors Association Director 1996 to 2000 (President 1997/1998)

Larry was appointed by the Province of Manitoba in 2002 as the province's representative on the "Manitoba - Jalisco Mexico Sister State Committee". He was the first business person ever appointed by the province to such a committee.

Larry is a member of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Branding Canada Working Group and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Horticulture Value Chain Round Table. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Food Beverage Canada, The Agri-Food Network of Manitoba, the Manitoba Business Leadership Network and the Festival of Lights Parade. Larry is a keynote speaker at conferences across Canada.

Further Background: From 1977 to 1993, Larry was with Dylex Ltd., a large Canadian retailer who had annual sales in excess of 1 billion dollars. He held several progressively senior management positions including Regional Manager of the Bi-Way Division (1982 to 1989), Vice President Operations of the Bi-Way Division (1989 to 1991) and Vice President of the Bi-Way and Drug World Divisions (1991 to 1993).

To quote from Robert Warren’s Winnipeg Free Press newspaper article. "The actions of Larry McIntosh at Peak of the Market demonstrates 3 characteristics…" "First, he created a vision in which Manitoba products are known around the world for their taste and quality. Then he created a plan to accomplish this vision. The plan covers the key areas of marketing, identifying the right customers and providing them with the freshest product and at a price that delivers value. He's backed this up with an innovative and informative promotional program. The third area McIntosh mastered was understanding the rules of the game. He accomplished this through careful research and the development of a trusting relationship with his customers."