BC Tree Fruits packs first cherries of the season at Oliver plant

BC Tree Fruits has been through a rough few years, but things are looking up as its first box of cherries of the season was processed in the new Oliver packing plant.

The cherries rolled through the packing process at the rpacking facility in Oliver, ready to hit store shelves.

This is a big milestone since BC Tree Fruits cooperative announced its shutdown in the summer of 2024, liquidated most of its assets to pay debts and announced it would cease operations after 88 years.

It seemed to many that the cooperative was done for.

But in April 2025, it was purchased by Penticton investor group Wildstone Capital and Algoma Orchards. The new owners set up this 200,000 square foot facility in Oliver, as well as storage facilities in Keremeos and Summerland.

Now, cherries are rolling through BC Tree Fruits once again.

“Celebrating our first box and first production day of cherries today at the BC Tree Fruits plant in Oliver, B.C.! Thanks to our incredible team for getting us here to this milestone!” BC Tree Fruits said in a social media post.

The president of Algoma Orchards Kirk Kemps said BC Tree Fruits isn’t going anywhere.

“BC Tree Fruits has a storied legacy in Western Canada. While it’s seen challenges in recent years, we believe we’re bringing the right formula for a strong comeback — one that has already proven successful at Algoma Orchards: an unwavering focus on grower partnerships, best-in-class quality, unbeatable taste, and constant innovation. This is what excites our retail partners — and ultimately, consumers,” he said in a press release.