Fruit Tree Project Business Partnerships Program

The Fruit Tree Project is a much-loved community project that picks fruit from Greater Victoria's backyards and redistributes it to those in need. The project continues through the dedication of many volunteers and one coordinator. Unfortunately, the project has no long-term funding and has nearly been shut down on several occasions.

The Fruit Tree Project shares the fruit it picks with the volunteers, homeowners and the community. Over the last two years, the Fruit Tree Project Partnership Program has sought local business partners to create a line of products that would help LifeCycles cover the costs of coordinating the project. Approximately one third of the fruit (often seconds and inedible fruit) will go towards these products. A minimum of 25% (or more) of the total year's harvest is reserved for the local food banks and community and the remaining fruit is shared among the volunteers and homeowners.

Rather than compete with other local business and enter markets beyond our expertise, we have sought to partner with socially minded and locally owned companies that can enable us to create a product line. We offer our reputation and access to new markets in exchange for this expertise. Look for our logo around town and support our project by asking for our products!

Objectives

1. Brand the Fruit Tree Project and raise the profile of all LifeCycles work

2. Expand our membership

3. Raise the profile of our partners and their products as contributors to a local economy

4. Create win-win-win situations and offer a genuine value to our partners

5. Generate revenue to cover the FTP budget.

Our Products

Thus far, the program has generated 9 product partnerships to date with several more in development. We have also engaged in a media partnership with Eat Magazine. Watch for our ads and logo around town.

Apple Pie Gelato & Pear Sorbetto

In Partnership with Salt Spring Island Gelato Delizioso we have created a gelato and sorbetto using local fruit. These initial two flavours are available on the menus at fine local restaurants, and in pints at local grocers and delis. Ask for them around town. Watch for new flavours in the summer of 2010 like Sugar Plum Sorbetto. Thanks Lynn!

Quince Paste

In Partnership with Truffles Catering and the Marina Restaurant we have created a delectable Quince Paste that is perfect company to your favourite cheese. Made with a fair trade organic cane sugar from Level Ground Trading, Quince Paste is a bit like soft fragrant fruit leather. Look for it at your deli and on the finest cheese boards around town! Thanks Genevieve, Stacey and the Marina Restaurant.

Quince Butter

In addition to the quince paste we have made a small batch of quince butter in 250ml jars. It uses the same ingredients as the paste but goes well on toast. Think local every morning!

Quince Jelly

In partnership with the Island Chefs Collaborative we created a small batch run of quince jelly. Look for it in the spring at the ICC Chef’s Market in Bastion Square downtown Victoria. Thanks David and Paige!
www.islandchefscollaborative.com

Apple Cider Vinegar

In partnership with Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub we have developed an apple cider vinegar made from our own apples. The vinegar is available at fine local retailers. Thanks Paul!

Kings and Spies Hard Cider

In partnership with Saanich Peninsula's Sea Cider we created a hard cider using a blend of our local King apples and Sea Cider’s English Spies. It is sold by the bottle in local stores and at the cidery. Thanks Kristen!

Kickass Plum & Apricot Chutney

In partnership with Feys & Hobbs we have created a fabulous spicy chutney using a blend of our cherries and plums. It is available at fine grocers and delis around Victoria. Ask for it by name. Thanks to David and Christine!

Poire Williams de Victoria

In partnership with Winchester Cellars we have created a small lot pear brandy, revealed on September 26 at our fundraiser at the Abkahzi Gardens. Thanks Ken!