Establish a clear and mutually agreed on transition timeline between the current

CROSS COUNTRY DIGEST BRITISH COLUMBIA Pears sparkle in fruit soda

Farming Karma, an Okanagan farming family turned beverage manufacturer, has taken a bow in the spotlight at the November 3, 2022 BC Food and Beverage Awards. Its pear fruit soda took home the Product of the Year Award – Silver.

Karma Gill has been growing apples, cherries and pears in the Okanagan for 30-plus years. A few years ago, he asked his son Avi and wife Binny the big question: what comes after retirement? Do you have plans for the orchards?

At the time, Avi Gill was following his pharmacy career path in Kelowna. “As a family, we planned to make some apple juice out of our fruit and maybe sell it at a farmers’ market or our fruit stand. The original plan evolved to setting up a canning line, juicing equipment, tanks, pasteurizer and all sorts of manufacturing equipment. We had no previous experience in manufacturing food products so this was all new to us.”

The last three years have seen explosive growth, from the first introduction of an apple soda in 2020 to more than 10 products.

“Ultimately, we are a farming family that is new to the world of retail,” says Gill. “We are learning every day and growing across Canada step by step.”

The product portfolio comprises Farming Karma Soda in apple, cherry, berry, peach and pear flavours. Spirit Karma vodka sodas (5% alcohol) repeat the same flavours. Both beverage brands are lightly-carbonated beverages made with real fruit.

Core values are: no added sugars, no added preservatives, no colours or artificial flavours, no concentrates or syrups, made with real fruit and a serving of real fruit. It’s not a pure juice so the calories and sugar content imitate eating a single serving of fruit. It’s also a vegan, gluten-free beverage.

The company has won shelf space across Canada including Sysco, Gordon Food Service, Farm Boy and soon to come Loblaw and Costco.

“The award is a reminder of our journey – the challenges and the victories along the way,” says Gill. “In January 2020, were a farming family that didn’t have any background in food manufacturing, product development, marketing, packaging, selling or any of the other things that go along with putting a product in the market. With consistent hard work, believing in ourselves and tremendous support from our community and mentors, were able to develop a product that we are proud of.”

The creative juices haven’t stopped with a wholesale business. The family has opened a tasting room in Kelowna where tourists and locals alike can sample Green Apple Gelato and Apple Fries Poutine with salted caramel sauce.

Avi, Binny and Jhelum Gill are pictured at the BC awards.