BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (BCTFC), Canada, purchased 85 acres of land in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to build a new facility under the cooperative’s new “one roof” plan. In conjunction with this purchase, BCTFC also plans to sell its property in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. Both transactions will be completed by May 31. 

“Today is an exciting day for all of us at the cooperative,” says Todd McMyn, chief executive officer. “This purchase signals our commitment to the industry, our growers, our staff and the Valley, and will give us the ability to compete on a global scale moving forward.”

“I’m thrilled for the future of our cooperative following today’s news,” says Jeet Dukhia, chairperson. “On behalf of the rest of the board of directors of the cooperative, we are looking forward to working closely with the senior management, as we design and build a world-class facility that all of our grower members and staff can be proud of.” 

The “one roof” plan will see a consolidation of all of the cooperative’s northern facilities into this new facility, which will house state-of-the-art apple, cherry, pear and soft fruit packing lines as well as office space and the cider operations and a “destination” cidery.