The business strategy is simple for one Saskatchewan fruit grower and processor: give the people what they want.
Betty Forbes, president of Nvigorate Northern Vigor Berries, detailed her bumpy road in harvesting, processing and selling the leaves, berries and oil from sea buckthorn at the Saskatchewan Fruit Growers Association conference in Saskatoon Jan.16.
“You need to narrow things down for larger markets, but in small markets, listen to what people want to buy,” said Forbes, who has a booth at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.
She has transformed the tropical, tangy berries into purees, dry powders, juices, syrup, jam, vinegar, smoothie pops, soap and freeze dried product.
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“There’s great value in connecting with people,” said Forbes, who also sells frozen berries to health food stores and restaurants.
She markets berries from other growers, but said it’s a tall order to get enough product to fill the semi trailer needed for sales into the United States.
Forbes, whose orchard is near Veregin, Sask., said a dried product makes more economic sense for export markets.
She said the little known berry comes with many challenges, starting with the bush, which makes harvesting a prickly chore. It also suckers, so an orchard can be become a forest in short order.
The fruit is harvested by cutting off a branch, freezing it and then shaking off the berries.
Disease concerns are few for the hardy berry, which is grown without chemicals.
Forbes said sales were slow at first, but food sampling and word of mouth have gradually increased exposure for the berry. Social media has also helped increase demand and interest in products.
“The lineups are there before (the products) get to the stall,” she said.
Forbes stressed the importance of collaborating with experts, citing her work with the Food Development Centre in Portage La Prairie, Man. She also worked with a Saskatoon ice cream maker to make her Ostentatious Orange gelato.
“The possibilities are endless,” she said.
She encouraged fledgling operations to celebrate their successes, hire good workers, do continuing education and contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for advice about food labels.
karen.morrison@producer.com
