Co-op is getting into


the cider biz Premiumproduct to bemade from low-grade apples. By Judie Steeves


N


ot that anyone is encouraged to grow cull fruit, but the B.C. Tree Fruit Co-operative is hoping to help growers at least break even when fruit is diverted for juice instead of it costing them money.


Beginning with this year’s apple crop, that lowest grade will go into cans and kegs as the B.C. Tree Fruit Cider Company’s first product, a premium hard apple cider.


JUDIE STEEVES


Chris Pollock, left, marketing manager for the B.C. Tree Fruit Co- operative, and Colin Pritchard, its vice-president, are confident the new hard apple cider will mean improved returns to growers.


The idea is to “maximize returns to growers,” explains Colin Pritchard, vice-president of the B.C. Tree Fruit Co- operative.


This diversification will help to ensure the co-op remains the major packer of fresh tree fruit in B.C., he says.


Ultimately, the co-op hopes the new producer will become a major player and favourably represent the growers of B.C.


However, initially, plans are to produce about 15,000 nine-litre cases, enough to obtain a general listing through the provincial Liquor Distribution Branch. Eventually, plans are to expand sales across the country and ultimately to export product.


Although apples will be the first cider to be produced, plans are to produce a pear cider as well, and a cherry and peach cider down the road.


“We have the apples, and this venture can use the fruit that couldn’t go to the fresh market,” notes Pritchard. Although he didn’t have figures on the cost of the project, Pritchard said it’s significant. The crushing equipment alone is worth $250,000.


The blend of varieties to be used is being determined through a partnership with the Pacific Agri-food Research Centre, where different blends of various varieties from last year’s harvest have been made into cider to be tested for flavour and other qualities.


The name of the ciders and logo will be released next spring. along with the first product.


Marketing manager for the co-op, Chris Pollock, says it’s likely they will use different blends of apple varieties in different ciders and eventually, some growers may be asked to grow cider apple varieties to include in some blends.


Hired as cider maker is Bertus Albertyn, a former 18 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2014


winemaker at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, who recently started up his own winery between Oliver and Osoyoos called Maverick Estate Winery.


Also consulting is Michael Daley, formerly of Vincor. Cider is one of the fastest growing beverage industries, and this one would be made without any additives, noted Pollock. It would be made 100 per cent from apples. With the Kelowna apple line moved out of the packinghouse on Vaughn Avenue in Kelowna and the new cherry line moved into that side of the building, there’s now room for both the cidery operation and a tasting room and retail sales outlet adjacent to it, within the new store.


With sale of the Clement Avenue property, the co-op retail produce store moved in July into the Vaughn Avenue plant.


The cidery equipment will be in operation this fall, with the tasting bar in the retail store opening next year.


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