Wildstone Construction Group, based in Penticton, has acquired the assets for $22.75 million. This purchase includes the former packinghouse in Oliver, properties in Summerland and Keremeos, as well as remaining equipment, inventory, and intellectual property, such as branding and trademarks.
Wildstone has announced a partnership with a local investor group and Algoma Orchards, Canada's largest independent apple grower, to manage and operate the newly acquired facilities. Mark Melissen, President and CEO of Wildstone Group of Companies, emphasized the importance of the acquisition. "Acquiring BC Tree Fruits is a milestone we're incredibly proud of — not just as a business decision, but as a commitment to the farmers and communities who have shaped BC's fruit industry for generations."
The packinghouse in Oliver will soon reopen to accept local fruit, along with receiving facilities in Summerland and Keremeos. Algoma Orchards, a fourth-generation apple farm based in Ontario, will serve as the operational partner. Kirk Kemp, President of Algoma Orchards, expressed pride in supporting the Okanagan's fruit industry, stating, "It is an honor to help restore strength and stability for farming families in the Okanagan."
The new operation will continue under the iconic BC Tree Fruits brand, focusing on grower partnerships, fruit quality, taste, and innovation. Algoma Orchards, which is also Canada's largest fresh cider supplier, is committed to revitalizing the BC fruit industry and ensuring its sustainable future.
This acquisition is the final significant transaction in the BC Tree Fruits bankruptcy process. In a separate transaction, Novem Pharmaceuticals purchased the former BC Tree Fruits cold storage facility on Kelowna's Sexsmith Road for $19.5 million.
Source: CastaNet