A once-in-a-century celebration!

Vineland Growers Co-op looks back at 100 years ......................

When Mike Ecker, president of Vineland Growers Co-operative and organizer of the tender fruit co-operative's 100th anniversary, said that he wanted to throw a party that would be remembered for a long time, it was not an understatement.

Among the crowd were distinguished guests Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Leader of the Ontario PC Party Tim Hudak, who came out to pay tribute and praise the co-operative for its contributions to the Ontario agriculture sector and local community. Wynne said, “The talent in this community is obvious, it is thriving. Our economy in Ontario needs to play to our strengths and one of our strengths is the agri food sector.”

Over 1,000 people, who have all somehow impacted the sustainability and growth of the co-operative, attended the daylong celebration, where they enjoyed local wine tasting activities, live music, dinner and a finale of spectacular fireworks.

The Vineland Growers Co-operative story began in the fall of 1913, with the initiative of four families of fruit growers that got together to form what is considered the oldest (ongoing) agricultural co-operative in Ontario.

Their purpose, at that time, was to merge their knowledge and skills to grow better fruit and in turn provide their customers with a premium quality product. Through their co-operation, better varieties of fruit were developed and, as increased production was realized, the four original members became better equipped to serve the needs of their customers.

The very first sale for the co-op comprised of five crates of strawberries that were sold for $14.63. Today, the co-operative generates sales of $34 million and delivers over one million cases of fruit annually.

Vineland Growers Co-operative is valued and respected by the local community and surrounding area of the Niagara Peninsula fruit belt providing the finest fruit, such as strawberries, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears and grapes. Its retail stores stock everything from pruners to fertilizers.

It has three prominent locations throughout the Niagara fruit-growing belt which are comprised of three retail stores, box and basket manufacturing, cold storage and warehouse facilities. A cardlock fuel station is open to customers at its main branch in Jordon Station.

You can view a full historical account and timeline of the last 100 years at: www.vinelandgrowers.com

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne with Phil Tregunno, Vineland Growers Co-operative Chairman
chats with guests attending the co-operative's 100 anniversary celebration.