Vancouver, BC, July 31, 2024 – The BC Co-operative Association (BCCA) expresses deep sadness over the closure of the BC Tree Fruits Co-operative, an iconic brand in British Columbia for over 88 years. The closure left hundreds of BC fruit farmers scrambling to find alternative ways to market their products, dealing a significant blow to the agricultural community.

On July 25, 2024, the board of directors announced the closure due to low estimated fruit volumes and challenging market conditions, citing weather effects and financial difficulties as contributing factors. The co-operative has ceased receiving fruit and is seeking court assistance to wind down operations and maximize recovery for all stakeholders.

BCCA Board Chair Kirsten Forsch stated, “While co-operatives remain a strong business model that serves Canadians in every facet of the economy, they are also susceptible to the same economic and environmental pressures of traditional businesses. This is a regrettable outcome for BC Tree Fruits and a significant loss to the co-op sector and BC. We feel for the members, board, staff, and management as undoubtedly this was a difficult decision.”

Co-operatives support local economies by keeping money and jobs within communities. In 2021, there were 5,605 non-financial co-operatives in Canada, generating $55.0 billion in total revenue, holding $47.3 billion in total assets, employing 100,755 people, and paying $2.7 billion in salaries and wages.

Tara Chernoff, Executive Director of BCCA, remarked, “BCCA is committed to fostering a resilient, co-operative economy. We encourage any cooperatives facing challenges to contact BCCA to leverage the support our co-operative network and referral system can provide.”

About BC Co-operative Association
The BC Co-operative Association is a hub for co-operative networking and referrals and is dedicated to fostering a strong, resilient co-operative economy in British Columbia. 

For more information, please contact:

Tara Chernoff
Executive Director, BCCA
tara@bcca.coop