BC Tree Fruits, under new ownership of Wildstone Construction Group and management by Algoma Orchards, held an open house at the Oliver packing house on November 7. Operations manager Dion Hertlein confirmed that 23,000 bins have been packed to date at the state-of-the-art facility in fall 2025. Capacity remains to pack 100,000 bins.
Jim Morrison, a board member with BC Tree Fruits told the crowd in attendance: "It’s about reaffirming the strength of BC Agriculture and one of Canada's most iconic brands." BC Tree Fruits has packed apples since its founding in 1936.
“The event was all about showing the BC Government that the tree fruit industry has dusted itself off and is back up and moving in a positive direction,” stated Kirk Kemp, president, Algoma Orchards. “We wanted to have growers who have shipped us fruit and others who are considering shipping fruit to us, to see that we have the facility back up and running. And we wanted to reassure the tree fruit industry in the Okanagan Valley that we are committed to working with growers, government agencies and the people of British Columbia. The tree fruit industry has a bright and positive future. Not only are we committed to supplying the residents of British Columbia and the western provinces of Canada with excellent quality tree fruit, we are confident we can enhance the opportunity of the BC tree fruit industry as the gateway to the ever growing Asian market.”