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.”

BC agriculture minister Lana Popham attended the event, saying, “This is an iconic moment for the Okanagan.” She applauded the return of growers, workers, food security and a logo and brand that is world recognized as quality.

Local news coverage from Castanet reported that Growers Supply, an agricultural supply business that closed its stores at the time of the bankruptcy, will be brought back on stream. 

"The new Growers Supply will serve all of British Columbia and fill the void that we know is there,” said Jim Morrison. “We will start with four locations and grow as the demand dictates. Tree fruits, vineyards, vegetables, and cover crops throughout BC will now be able to get fertilizers, chemicals, and consumables that they need, and like BC Tree Fruits, we hope to employ a lot of the previous Growers Supply employees.” 

BC Fruit Growers' Association president Peter Simonsen said now that the plant is up and running, the next goal is to lobby Ottawa on issues such as anti-dumping and stability/risk management programs.

Source: Castanet November 7, 2025/Staff