BLUE MOUNTAIN FRUIT COMPANY

BLUE MOUNTAIN FRUIT COMPANY

THE TRANSITION

In 2001, Irma and Marius Botden, owners of Botden Orchards Ltd. implemented innovative technologies and management practices to increase apple quality and sustainability in Ontario. Such innovations included high-density orchard plantings, precision GPS planting, drip irrigation, eco sprayers and advanced pre-sorting and grading systems.

Prior to their departure from the Netherlands, Irma and Marius negotiated the rights to become the exclusive growers of the Red Prince apple in Canada and imported rootstock from their nursery in the Netherlands. In 2001, they became Botden Orchards, and have since been dedicated to the continual discovery and implementation of innovative agricultural technologies and best apple production and management practices. Along with the Red Prince apple, the Botden family grows varieties such as Honeycrisp and Ambrosia.

In August 2013, Botden Orchards became a fully integrated operation as a grower / packer/ shipper with the acquisition of Blue Mountain Fruit Company. In operation since 1961, a Canadian leader in apple packaging and sales based out of The Town of The Blue Mountains, Ontario. Dedicated to sustainable growing practices and increasing the volume of local apples for Canadian consumption.

As of August 1, 2017 Binkley Apples has been renamed Blue Mountain Fruit Company.

The rebranding is part of the evolution of the Botden family’s business plan. Since then, the business has invested in major initiatives to continue business growth:

• Orchard expansion in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes
• Purchase of Blue Water Storage Facility, providing cold and controlled atmosphere
• Building a state-of-the-art automated packing plant with external/internal quality control equipment

While Marius and Irma Botden built the foundation; the second-generation family members are now taking leadership responsibility with Gerbe Botden as Orchard Manager, Gitty Botden as Plant Coordinator and Sacha Botden as Production Manager. Ensuring philosophical continuity.

The Blue Mountain Fruit Company logo reflect the company’s location as well as the caring hands, which are integral to the entire process, from growing the apples to getting them into customer’s hands.