BC Tree Fruits Cooperative ceases operation

The Kelowna, British Columbia-based grower cooperative said it no longer will be able to operate the business due to low estimated fruit volumes and difficult market and financial conditions.

BC Tree Fruits Cooperative logo
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative announced it would cease operations on July 25. The British Columbia Supreme Court ordered the cooperative to sell its assets to settle its debts.
(Image courtesy BC Tree Fruits Cooperative)

BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, a cooperative of more than 300 growers that produce apples, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, prunes, plums and table grapes based in Kelowna, British Columbia, says its board of directors will seek court direction and assistance to liquidate the cooperative while maximizing recovery for stakeholders.

The board determined on July 25 that low estimated fruit volumes, weather effects on crops and difficult market and financial conditions made it difficult to operate the business, according to a news release.

BC Tree Fruits was founded in 1936 as a central selling agency for interior-grown tree fruit for the province. Today, company operates three packing facilities and six receiving facilities.

“This is a very unfortunate situation, and we are working with our lenders and advisors as we embark on this process,” the cooperative said in the release.

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
The Union City, Calif.-based company is eyeing a potential 50% boost in sales following the first acquisition in its 63-year history, a strategic expansion engineered to master the high-stakes world of just-in-time produce logistics.
Severe drought and unseasonable spring heat in North Carolina are causing significant yield losses for specialty crops like brassicas and berries while simultaneously increasing pest pressures for regional organic growers.
The strategic transition marks a significant step forward in Thx!’s mission to prove that doing good is good business, while unlocking new opportunities for brands, retailers and consumers to create meaningful impact.
Read Next
Warning that American agriculture faces a potentially catastrophic economic threat, the National Potato Council is urging the immediate reinstatement of a federal ban on Canadian fresh potato imports from Prince Edward Island following a newly confirmed detection of potato wart.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App