Puree looks promising


Abby co-op’s aseptic process could find a buyer in energy bar producer—and others whomight actually use real fruit.


By Judie Steeves R


aspberry growers are hopeful they can tap new markets such as fruit smoothies and energy bars with a concentrated puree, following completion of a market opportunity development assessment by the Abbotsford Growers Co-operative Union.


The co-op has the only fruit aseptic processing facility in western Canada. “We contacted a large B.C. processor of energy bars using fruit purees just as they were working on a project examining how they can source more products locally. They were very interested in using B.C. raspberries,” said Cheryl Davie, the lead consultant on this project. B.C. is by far the largest producer of raspberries in Canada, growing more than 26.5 million pounds on 4,200 acres. The harvest period for these berries is only four to six weeks, and only three percent make it to the fresh market.


That means processors like the co-op, owned by 120 grower members, are essential to maintaining the industry, and searching out new markets for process berries is vital. A recent online article in the Canadian magazine Chatelaine identified raspberries at the top of a list of 15 “superfoods.” The article, written by Registered Holistic Nutritionist Megan MacMillan, said raspberries contain much more fibre and—even frozen—contain twice the vitamin C of blueberries while being one of the best sources of ellagic acid, an antioxidant believed to have powerful cancer fighting properties. Davie said one of the surprising findings of the market assessment she conducted is that raspberries are being substituted with cheaper


products such as sugar beets in ice cream and yogurt.


“Food processors do not like to admit it, but many of them do not buy any real fruit, even for products like ‘raspberry’ yogurt,” she reported. Aseptic processing is a high temperature sterile process similar to that used to package wine into “bags in a box” and milk into UHT packages. The main benefit of aseptic processed berries is they do not require refrigeration, decreasing energy costs and freeing up scarce cold storage space. As well, because the packaging material is sterile before processing, thermal stress on the product is minimized, resulting in a fresh taste. Because aseptic processing eliminates the need for preservatives, the products appeal to the health conscious consumer.


Stephen Evans, general manager at Abbotsford Growers, concludes: “We


JUDIE STEEVES


Rapsberries on the sorting line at Abbotsford Growers Co-operative Union.


are enthusiastic about some of the new opportunities identified in Canada that could grow in the long run, but the study also found that export opportunities will be very important for future growth, so we will be pursuing that as well.” Funding for this project was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.


We manage approximately 2500 hives. We own all the hives that we manage. We pollinate blueberries, raspberries and cranberries and also canola in southern Alberta.


Call for pricing. ask for Jean-Marc (778) 882-6254


Golden Ears 33197 Ito Place, Mission, B.C. V2V-3W7 British Columbia Berry Grower • Spring 2011 17


Golden Ears Apiaries is a local business that’s been serving the Fraser Valley for 16 years.


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