Kelowna, B.C. — September 9, 2024 — Sandher Fruit Packers today announced that in the wake of the
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative closure, it will support 11 more local growers in getting more than 12 million
pounds of their apples stored, packed and shipped to their customers.
“For nearly 40 years, my family and I have proudly tended to B.C. orchards,” said Bill Sandher, founder of
Sandher Fruit Packers. “Over this time, our industry and region have faced and overcome adversities with
collective hard effort. By working together, we can sustain our local fruit industry through this difficult
period, keep our teams employed, and continue to deliver the best of our region to the world.”
Sandher Fruit Packers is able to process their harvest along with this additional volume through a paid
service agreement with the City of Kelowna for processing water used in the Sandher fruit washing and
packing line temporarily while the facility’s water management permit application is reviewed by Ministry
of Environment staff. With the addition of these 11 growers, Sandher Fruit Packers will enable the storage
of more than 39 million pounds of fruit from area farms.
"The closure of BC Tree Fruits was scary for our family farm. Growing fruit these days is challenging and
losing our packing and distribution partner made things even harder," said Kabal Randhawa of Randhawa
orchards. "The kindness shown by Sandher Fruit Packers has given me hope that we can get through
this."
"I’m a farmer. It’s what I do full time. When BC Tree Fruits shut down without any notice, it had a big
impact," said local fruit grower Parvinder Uppal. "This help from Sandher Fruit Packers means we can sell
our fruit and keep our employees working. Thank you Sandher family.”
The Ministry of Environment has confirmed that the temporary solution with the City of Kelowna fully
complies with provincial regulations. Sandher Fruit Packers is committed to only operating if its water
management systems are in full compliance.
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