A large interior operation of lettuce in southern Okanagan experienced a sudden boom in business.
“Our sales have doubled and tripled in the past two weeks,” said Rachelle Peters, general manager at Avery Family Farms.
Avery Family Farms began to operate in September 2023 after two years of construction.
The company’s concept was born during the COVVI-19 pandemic.
“The founders, Gary and Vicki Peters, went to grocery stores and saw empty shelves,” said Peters.
The farm cultivates four types of lettuce.
“Frillon, Roman, red and sweet leaves,” said Peters.
However, obtaining this lettuce in British Columbia stores was not so simple.
“One of the challenges is that American imports have been on the shelves for decades, so there are these existing relationships,” Peters said.
However, a major change in consumption habits has led to increased demand for the Okanagan manufacturing product.
“We receive requests for grocery and restaurants,” said Peters.
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The demand follows from American prices looming, encouraging Canadians to give their support behind their country.
“We do not expect British Columbia and Canada to meet like that, so it was really great,” said Erin Wright, director of agricultural operations at Avery Farms.
Avery Farms is currently harvesting around 1,500 lettuce heads per day, which represents only 10% of its existing growth capacity.
“This increase in people wishing to buy a room, we will represent around 45% of our total capacity,” said Wright.
The interior farm has increased its sowing and may have more staff to meet growing demand.
“We move a little faster than what we expected, but we are certainly ready for that,” said Wright.
The Avery Farms lettuce is currently sold in some stores selected in Okanagan, including the independent grocery store of Peter in Kelowna, quality greens in Penticton, Belichs Ag Foods in the Okanagan Falls and IGA locations through Okanagan.
However, due to the high demand, it will probably not take long before it is available in many other stores through the valley and British Columbia
“In the coming weeks, we will extend to other retail grocery stores,” said Peters.
It is a trend that she believes to be there to stay.
“I think all British Colombians, given the threat of imminent prices, now realize how important it is to have food security in British Columbia,” Peters said.
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