The BC Cherry Association (BCCA), headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, is a non-profit industry organization representing cherry growers, packers, researchers, and marketers across British Columbia. As Canada’s premier cherry-growing region, the Okanagan Valley and surrounding areas contribute nearly 100% of Canada's fresh cherry exports, and BCCA plays a critical role in promoting, supporting, and protecting this valuable sector.
Mission and Role
The association’s core mission is to:
- Represent the interests of the BC cherry industry domestically and internationally.
- Fund and coordinate research and development projects to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Promote BC cherries in global markets through trade shows, media campaigns, and in-market initiatives.
- Ensure access to international export markets through phytosanitary negotiations and technical support.
BCCA serves as the key liaison between cherry producers and governmental bodies like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and international trade agencies.
Industry Overview and Scope
British Columbia is one of the world’s most renowned sources for premium summer cherries due to:
- Ideal growing conditions: long, hot summer days and cool nights extend the harvest season into August and September.
- Late-season production advantage: BC's cherries enter markets when other countries have completed harvest.
- Irrigated valleys and high-elevation orchards: promote large, firm, sweet cherries with high Brix levels.
British Columbia has over 4,500 hectares of cherry orchards and produces more than 20,000 metric tonnes annually, with over 75% exported to markets like China, the United States, Korea, and Japan.
Research and Innovation
BCCA allocates significant resources to scientific and technical research to address industry challenges such as:
- Pest management and invasive species control, including initiatives against the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD).
- Post-harvest technology to improve shelf life and cold chain integrity.
- Varietal development and testing, including late-maturing and rain-resistant cherry cultivars.
- Climate adaptation strategies for frost protection and precipitation variability.
The association partners with federal research centers, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Summerland Research and Development Centre.
Export and Market Access
One of BCCA’s landmark achievements is the establishment of export protocols with high-value international markets:
- China: Access granted in 2014 following extensive technical negotiations.
- Japan: Market access supported by stringent quarantine inspection and traceability systems.
- South Korea and Vietnam: Recently opened or expanded export channels, offering new growth opportunities.
The association coordinates pre-clearance programs and hosts government inspections to ensure phytosanitary compliance.
Promotional and Trade Activities
BCCA actively promotes BC cherries through:
- Asia Fruit Logistica, Fruit Logistica Berlin, and CPMA Canada exhibitions.
- Coordinated marketing campaigns in China, Vietnam, and the U.S., including retail tastings and digital engagement.
- Educational resources and promotional tools available in Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Their international promotions emphasize attributes like:
- Hand-picked quality
- Food safety and traceability
- Late-season freshness
- Canada’s reputation for clean agriculture
Certifications and Standards
While BCCA is not a producer itself, it facilitates industry-wide adherence to high-quality standards:
- GlobalG.A.P. and CanadaGAP certifications
- Food traceability and on-orchard food safety plans
- Cold chain logistics certifications for air and sea freight
The association works with packers and exporters to ensure alignment with importing country standards.
Strategic Impact and Industry Support
The association’s influence extends to:
- Negotiating phytosanitary protocols with destination countries
- Coordinating emergency response to crop threats and climate events
- Providing grower education through webinars, field days, and extension bulletins
- Supporting access to funding through Growing Forward and AgriMarketing programs
BCCA also collaborates on projects related to labor, transportation logistics, and carbon footprint reduction in export shipments.
Major Achievements
- Secured and maintained access to over 10 international markets including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Represented Canada’s cherry sector at over 20 international trade exhibitions.
- Funded millions of dollars in research over the past decade.
- Helped expand British Columbia’s cherry acreage by over 35% since 2010.
The BC Cherry Association remains a vital engine of growth, innovation, and global competitiveness for Canada’s cherry industry, positioning British Columbia as a top-tier global supplier of premium summer cherries.
