Fire-ravaged outlet rebuilt
Maan Farms has added more products and family-oriented activities.
By Grant Ullyot A
huge early-morning fire in July of last year destroyed the main retail market of Maan Farms, located at the intersection of McKenzie and Vye roads in Abbotsford, and damaged a two-storey building at the rear of the store.
It was arson, according to Davinder Maan, who co-owns the farm together
with her family. “It was very upsetting.” Fire department investigators and police have been unable to track down the perpetrator(s).
Today, a newly-built retail store stands on the same site as its predecessor. The family has completely rebuilt the store, including the front porch, and it now has a complete stock of the latest berries and field vegetables. Plus, the Maans have expanded the store to include a wide selection of jams and jellies.
Also added is an area in which they can make fancy cookies and other edibles.
Davinder says the farm store is well known for its excellent butter chicken. A new freezer section will feature the farm’s frozen berry pies and baked goods. And there is a new wine bar where visitors can sample a selection of BC-produced fruit wines, as well as three grape wines.
“We want our farm to be a place where families can come to learn about agriculture, see our many small animals and participate in our educational sessions,” says Davinder. “Our educational program allows visitors to see everything that grows on a farm, from strawberries to blueberries, corn and other vegetable crops.
GRANT ULLYOT
Gurpreet Dhaliwal displays baskets brimming with Maan Farms strawberries.
“It is definitely a family recreation area. We’ve also added a zip line, go-cart, jumping pillow and other attractions to interest the younger members in a family.”
She describes the operation as a ‘show and tell’ where adult customers can meet the farmer, and the children can enjoy seeing and interacting with many small
animals and learn more about farming.
“We are trying to give people reasons to come and see us, which then provides us with the opportunity to sell them on the benefits of
buying local berry and other food products. It’s the new trend today where people want to see and learn more about how and where their food is grown.”
Davinder says restoring and
expanding their operations has required many extra hours of work over this past year with some staff putting in 12 to 14 hour days as they continue to update the facilities.
“I am very proud of the staff we have and the effort they put forward.” In addition to their farm store complex the Maans have a main farm located at 790 McKenzie Road north of Vye.
GRANT ULLYOT
Davinder Maan in the new wine shop. British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2015
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