Growing Healthy Communities – One Apple at a Time
Algoma Orchards, located just outside the town of Newcastle is a 4th generation farm owned and operated
by the Kemp family. The Algoma Orchard has grown significantly over the years with their team forging long-term retail partnerships that they hold near and dear to their hearts. As the largest independent apple grower in Canada, Algoma is very proud to call the Clarington region their home.
With 1,500 acres of high density orchards, Algoma makes the most of their growing space; while traditional orchard growing used to be 50 trees per acre – with large umbrella shaped trees; todays farms have 1,400 trees per acre, providing efficiency in growing and harvesting while still exposing the fruit to maximum sunlight which is important for the apples to colour up. An operation this size requires a 250,000 square foot storage and packing facility that employs up to 400 people at peak of harvest. At Algoma they grow 18 varieties of apples that include both Conventional and Organic options; Honey Crisp, Gala, Red Delicious, Ambrosia, McIntosh, Cortland, Smitten, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Empire, and Snowflake. As the largest Organic apple growers in Canada, they also grow Organic Gala, Organic Red Delicious, and Organic Honey Crisp.
Innovation is What Algoma Does Best
Algoma Orchards is one of the most innovative growers in North America, working with plant breeders to bring new great-tasting varieties to market. The Snowflake is a great example of innovation. It took Algoma twenty years to develop and bring to commercial volume. Named after the lenticels on the skin that look like snowflakes, the Algoma Snowflake apple offers a crispy, sweet crunch with a complex flavour. The Snowflake has become a Canadian trifecta of success that was not only bred in Canada, but grown exclusively by Algoma Orchards in Canada, with a Canadian name – something to be very proud of!
Celebrating Local
Most Canadian consumers are not aware that local apples are now available 11 to 12 months a year. This is possible with state of the art controlled atmosphere technology that controls storage temperatures, oxygen and CO2 levels which control the pace of ripening; in the apple business it’s called putting the apples to sleep, until they are ready to pack for retail customers. Algoma is one of the few growers in North America that have six local varieties available for most of the calendar year.
Fresh Pressed Cider
Algoma is also the largest producer of fresh apple cider in Canada, shipping to most major retailers in Canada. If you have had fresh cider, you most likely were tasting Algoma’s fresh pressed apples.
Fresh Market
Apples aren’t all they do! Be sure to stop by the Algoma Fresh Market store located just off the #115 on highway #2. A great place to stop and feast on a fresh deli sandwich and hot soup for lunch, or find everything for your next charcuterie-style picnic. While you are there fill your basket with the freshest apples, artisan cheeses, fresh baked goods, dairy items and both fresh and frozen full meal solutions.
Also take the time to browse lots of great gift options throughout the store, and take a little Algoma Orchard home with you!
www.AlgomaOrchards.com
905-987-4961 Open 7 days a week 9AM-5PM
201 Regional Rd 42, Newcastle ON
