New Kelowna-Made Cider Gets “Buy Local” Push

Photo Credit: BC Tree Fruits

If you haven’t seen BC Tree Fruits’ new cider around, that won’t last for long.

The provincial government’s Buy Local program is giving the company $42,275 in funding to help introduce the Broken Ladder cider to people across B.C. This Kelowna-made cider is sold in B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) outlets throughout the province and is also available in private liquor stores and restaurants.

The cider is also being promoted with in store sampling and advertising articles in the BCLDB’s Taste Magazine. The Buy Local funding will go towards a social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to encourage people to follow BC Tree Fruits Cider Company for more information. The cider will also be on display at local events and markets.

Local orchard in the Okanagan. (Photo Credit: BC Tree Fruits)

The premium craft cider is made from 100 per cent B.C. apples with no extra sugar, additives, flavourings, or water. Broken Ladder contains a mix of six apple varieties and is pressed, fermented, and canned right here in Kelowna.

"The farmers at BC Tree Fruits have a long history of providing quality products,” said Agriculture Minister and Kelowna­–Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick. “The funding from the Buy Local project will allow their new venture with the BC Tree Fruits Cider Company to create positive economic impacts for the Okanagan Valley and allow us to enjoy a tasty new cider."

Photo Credit: BC Tree Fruits

"The BC Tree Fruits Cider Company is proud to offer British Columbians a product that is 100% B.C. made,” said marketing manager for BC Tree Fruits Chris Pollock. “Our goal was to make a product that we could label as a premium craft cider and with the support from the Buy Local funding we can share our passion and hard work with the rest of the province."

This new cider marks a turning point for Okanagan agriculture, letting growers turn their high-quality, but low-colour apples into some tasty cider.

(Photo Credit: BC Tree Fruits)