As part of the Cooperative’s plan to increase grower confidence and returns, BC Tree Fruits is enhancing its fruit grading and packing technology. Work is well underway at the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative Oliver packing house where leading-edge apple pre-grade and packing lines are being installed and additional cold storage rooms are being built.

“We are pleased to see the progress being made here at the Oliver location,” says Warren Sarafinchan, president and CEO of BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. “The changes are intended to create a long-term, sustainable future for tree fruit growers in British Columbia.”

“Our team is excited to launch the new lines which features best-in-class optical sorting, robotics, enhanced water filtration, and improved fruit transfer systems” says Craig Ogilvie, vice president of supply chain with the cooperative. “The changes being made will result in better fruit handling for our growers, greater energy efficiency, reduced water usage and improved health & safety for our employees.”

The Oliver packing house is a busy location as construction and installation happen along side the summer fruit daily operations.

“We are well into our cherry season, while stone fruits such as peaches, prunes and nectarines are coming soon,” says Ogilvie.

BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is comprised of more than 330 local families who produce a variety of tree fruit commodities including apples, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, prunes, plums and table grapes.

Source:  BC Tree Fruits Cooperative July 5, 2023 news release