‘Not good news’: Farmers stunned as BC Tree Fruits announces surprise closure
The logo has been well-known throughout British Columbia and even across Canada for decades: a green leaf emblazoned with the words BC Tree Fruits.
On Friday, the member-owned marketing collective behind the brand, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, closed its doors — and B.C. fruit farmers are now scrambling to get their products to market.
In a letter to its members obtained by Global News, the 88-year-old organization said, “It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that BC Tree Fruits Collective will not be receiving fruit beginning today, Friday, July 26, 2024.
“We recommend that you immediately search for another alternative to market your fruit for the balance of the 2024 season.”
The letter continued, saying “On July 25, 2024, the board of directors determined that due to extremely low estimated fruit volumes and difficult market conditions, the cooperative would not be able to effectively operate the business and provide pool returns to growers.
“BC Tree Fruits Cooperative and all its subsidiaries are taking steps to obtain court direction and assistance to properly wind down the Cooperative to maximize recovery for all stakeholders.”
Global News has reached out to BC Tree Fruits for comment.
In an email on Friday afternoon, BC Tree Fruits said “It is with profound sadness that on July 25, 2024, the board of directors of BC Tree Fruits Cooperative determined that due to extremely low estimated fruit volumes, weather effects, and difficult market and financial conditions, the cooperative will not be able to effectively operate the business moving forward.
“As a result, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative and all its subsidiaries will be taking steps to seek court direction and assistance to liquidate the Cooperative
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