Ontario fruit growers are celebrating a strong start to the 2025 growing season. After a delayed spring due to cooler weather, fruit development has now caught up thanks to recent warm temperatures and timely rain. This has helped boost fruit quality, sweetness, and size.
Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers say that apricots, yellow plums, peaches, and nectarines will start reaching stores and markets by mid-July. Blue plums, pears, and table grapes will follow in August and continue into early fall.
“We had a slow start, but Mother Nature is right on track,” said Sarah Marshall, Manager of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. Fruit lovers can look forward to their summer favorites at farm gates, as well as farmers markets and grocery stores as early as next week.
“We’re really pleased with how the crop is looking so far. After a cooler spring, the trees are healthy, and the fruit is sizing up nicely. The heat we’re getting now is helping to bring out that signature Ontario sweetness. It’s shaping up to be a great year for flavor and quality,” said Phil Tregunno, Chair of the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and a long-time grower.
The tender fruit and grape industry in Ontario is built on family farms. Small Farm Canada readers will appreciate that choosing local produce supports these farmers and contributes to the economy.
The continued support of the Buy Canadian movement helps ensure the future of local agriculture.
When shopping this summer small farms can support one another by looking for the Foodland Ontario logo - it confirms that the fruit was grown nearby. Tender