British Columbia cherry exports saw a significant rise over the past year.
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said exports increased from 2014 to 2015 by 56 per cent, a value of $91.7 million. He added in 2014 he lead the B.C. delegation with B.C. cherry industry representatives on a federal trade mission to China that led to full, unimpeded access for fresh cherries into China.
Letnick said as a direct result of their efforts, the export value of fresh, sweet cherries to China has more than doubled from 2014 to 2015, rising from $9.9 million to $24 million.
“We are going to build on this momentum. Thanks to the close working relationship with our provincial cherry industry, we look forward to exploring new opportunities with Pacific Rim countries that recently signed the Trans Pacific Partnership,” said Letnick.
“British Columbians have always known about this tasty, sweet fruit from the Okanagan. The secret is out. Together we want to share B.C. cherries with the world.”