Paynter’s Fruit Market Wins Westside Business of the Year

Paynter’s Fruit Market has been named the Business of the Year and ‘Platinum Service Provider’ at the Greater Westside Board Key Business Awards.

There are very few people in the Central Okanagan who don’t know Paynter’s Fruit Market.

The operation started in 1919 when orchardist Edwin Paynter put in his first plantings, and the fruit stand opened in 1951.

The market is now run by his great-granddaughter Jennay Oliver, who took over as the fourth generation running the family farm and market in 2007.

Today the market is a 2,000 square foot operation located just off the main drag in West Kelowna, and offers hundreds of local products, all grown, made or produced in British Columbia.

While Paynters is a major support of local farmers, the family still produces a lot of the products sold at the market, producing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from their 35 acre farm.

One of the ways Oliver has made Paynters so successful is by planning her crops so her team can harvest fruits and vegetables daily for approximately 130 days a year. For that reason, Paynters can offer produce every day, that was literally picked the same day.

John E. Peller Appointed as Officer of the Order of Canada

A toast to John Peller, as the Canadian wine legend was named as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Peller is the grandson of Andrew Peller, who founded the hugely successful wine company Andrew Peller Ltd. in 1927. John Peller took over as president and CEO in 1989, and has since massively expanded the operation in BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia, while simultaneously creating some of the highest quality wines from Canada.

Peller was presented with the honour by Governor General Mary Simon at an investiture ceremony in Ottawa on Dec. 1, 2022. Officers are appointed “… for achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large.”

Peller was named to the Order of Canada for continually upholding his family’s tradition of philanthropy, and also for for his work in helping Canada build a world-class wine industry.

“By producing premium-quality wines that are internationally renowned, he has transformed the way the Canadian wine industry is perceived by consumers around the world,” the award states.

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

Kubota Adds Two New Compact Tractors

Kubota has added two new tractors to its L02 line, which is among the most popular tractors for Canadian fruit growers.

The L02 line is a series of compact tractors with a narrow wheelbase that brings a lot of power to a highly mobile package, that can easily manoeuvre in the narrow rows common to berry farms and vineyards.

Kubota has now added the new L2502 and L4802 models to the L02 series, which will replace the older L2501 and L4701 models.

Kubota says the L2502 is the top selling model in the lineup for the Canadian market, carrying over the same features and benefits as the L3302 and L3902 models as well as its value price point.

The L4802 replaces the L4701 to give operators a larger equipment option with higher performance than the three other models in the series.

Additionally, the L4802 now comes in a narrow configuration which is new to the model lineup. This specialty tractor serves customers operating in tight quarters, such as a vineyards, orchards, or Christmas tree farms.

As well, Kubota has redesigned the L02 series with new enhancements to increase the comfort level for operators, many of whom will spend several hours on the tractor. The new features include a more spacious operator station; an improved suspension seat and optional arm rests; and ergonomically designed lever grips and steering wheel.

Other changes were made to make the operation and maintenance of the L02 line easier. Some of the notable changes are an independent PTO switch; a new location for the dual brake pedal; a Heavy Duty 3-point hitch with available Land Pride Quick Hitch, making it easier to mount rear attachments; and a performance matched loader with top quality valving, allowing simultaneous boom and bucket functions.