Larry McIntosh Consulting

Larry McIntosh

Larry McIntosh Consulting is a small, hands-on firm that helps clients optimize their performance and achieve their business or association goals.

We offer consulting services in various areas, such as business strategy, operations, human resources, leadership, marketing and customer or member relations. We can help you with general or specific advice or tactics, depending on your needs and objectives.

We work closely with our clients to understand their needs, challenges and opportunities, and to deliver tailored solutions that fit their unique situation and industry. We also provide ongoing support and feedback to ensure the successful implementation of our recommendations.

We have in-depth expertise in both profit and non-profit sectors, and we specialize in small and medium-sized businesses in the produce and food sectors. We have a proven track record of helping businesses and associations thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Larry McIntosh is the founder and principal consultant of Larry McIntosh Consulting. He has extensive experience and has served as a Vice President of a national discount retailer and as President & CEO of a large agrifood company that spanned the whole value chain from production to consumption. He is a recognized leader and innovator in the produce and food industry, with a passion for excellence and customer satisfaction.

Please contact us to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you succeed.  You can reach us at Larry@LarryMcIntosh.ca 204.793.7325 or Shelley@LarryMcIntosh.ca 204.771.5285

You can find Larry’s detailed Bio below.

Larry McIntosh was President & CEO of Peak of the Market from 1994 until 2021.  Under his leadership, the company had its 26 best sales years in its 79-year history with 2019/2020 being the highest sales year ever. 

During Larry’s 27-year career with Peak of the Market, it 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 Awardfor 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 has been honoured to receive several awards including:

2022 Canadian Red Cross Certificate of Merit awarded in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the Canadian Red Cross.

2022 Outstanding Achievement Award as awarded by the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (formerly Canadian Horticulture Council).

“2021 Canadian Produce Person of the Yearas awarded by The Packer Farm Journal.  This prestigious award is presented to a person who has made outstanding contributions in forwarding the collective interests of the fresh produce industry.

“2021 Outstanding Philanthropistas awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Manitoba Chapter on National Philanthropy Day. The award is presented to a Manitoban that has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles.

“2021 Distinguished Long Service Awardas awarded by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. This award is in recognition of distinguished long service to the chamber network.

“Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award” in 2015This award is in recognition of Manitobans whose selflessness and dedication make them deserving recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year.  Larry was recognized as a champion of numerous charitable causes.

Gold Heart Humanitarian of the Year” Award as awarded by Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba in 2013.  This award recognizes Larry’s generous commitment of time, energy and talent as well as his outstanding dedication to Manitoba.

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” as awarded by the Children’s Museum in 2012.  This award honours individuals 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 businessperson 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 Food & Beverage Manitoba 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 Larry’s successful promotion of Manitoba-grown agricultural products throughout the world and his volunteer work in the community.

“Chairman’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 Larry’s 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.

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 BiWay Division (1982 to 1989), Vice President Operations of the BiWay Division (1989 to 1991) and Vice President of the BiWay 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.”

Larry’s volunteer works includes:

Rossbrook House Foundation Director 2021 to Present (Chair 2023 to Present)

Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council Member 2021 to Present

Canadian Produce Marketing Association based in Ottawa, Ontario, Chair of Past Chairs Advisory Committee 2013 to Present

Canadian Red Cross Director 2018 to 2023

Canadian Red Cross Governance Committee Member 2020 to 2023

Produce Marketing Association (now International Fresh Produce Association) based in Delaware, USA, Global Development Committee Member representing Canada 2006 to 2009 and 2019 to 2021

Canadian Red Cross Manitoba Provincial Advisory Committee Member 2017 to 2021

Canadian Produce Marketing Association Sponsorship Chair for CPMA Vancouver Convention & Trade Show 2017 to 2018

Produce Marketing Association (now International Fresh Produce Association) Membership Committee 2014 to 2017 (Chair 2015/2016)

Canadian Produce Marketing Association Director 1997 to 2013 (Chair 2007/2008)

Produce Marketing Association (now International Fresh Produce Association) Director 2010 to 2013

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

Prairie Improvement Network Director 2010 to 2013

Harvest Manitoba Food Bank (formerly Winnipeg Harvest) Director 1995 to 2010

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

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

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

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

Food & Beverage Manitoba (formerly Manitoba Food Processors) Director 1996 to 2000 (President 1997/1998)

Food Beverage Canada Director 1996 to 1999

Larry has also served on the Board of Directors for The Agri-Food Network of Manitoba, the Manitoba Business Leadership Network and Chair of the Festival of Lights Parade. Larry has been a keynote speaker at conferences across Canada.

Larry hosted a weekend radio show on Global News Radio 680 CJOB called “Food & Friends with Larry McIntosh”. For 5 years, 2010 to 2015, Larry interviewed over 260 interesting Manitobans.  Podcasts of the shows are available on YouTube and iTunes.

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 businessperson ever appointed by the province to such a committee.

Contact Information: 

Larry McIntosh  Larry@LarryMcIntosh.ca 204.793.7325

Shelley McIntosh Shelley@LarryMcIntosh.ca 204.771.5285