Following the success of last year’s pilot, a new batch of Great Bear Cider will once again be available exclusively at the Bella Coola Farmers’ Market this summer - crafted from fruit harvested in the Bella Coola Valley on unceded, sovereign Nuxalk territory.
The cider is the result of a growing partnership between the Bella Coola Foodshed Alliance (BCFA) and Lillooet Cider Company, as a creative way to process surplus fruit collected through BCFA’s Community Harvest program. Rooted in food security and sustainability, the initiative prevents local apples and pears from going to waste—while creating something both delicious and meaningful.
“We’re proud to be working with the Bella Coola Foodshed Alliance again,” said Seth Jex, owner of Lillooet Cider Company. “This year’s Great Bear Cider was made in the same traditional way—fermented and aged in French oak barrels for a dry-style cider. It is a little bit more fruity and softer acidity as I left the cider outside in the winter for a couple weeks to slightly freeze, which caused some acidity to drop out.”
Jex notes this year’s production is more limited due to a smaller crop and encourages cider fans to stock up early.
“It may sell out faster than last time. If folks enjoyed it last year, they’ll want to get it while they can," he said. "“This initiative really reflects what both Lillooet Cider Co. and the Foodshed Alliance stand for—honouring local harvests, reducing waste, and creating something meaningful from community efforts.”
Each year, the BCFA hires a seasonal community harvest coordinator, paid pickers, and maintains the necessary equipment to run the program successfully. In 2024, the support of Community Harvest program funders Bella Coola Heli Sport, the Central Coast Regional District, and Coastal Foodways, enabled the BCFA to glean four tons of fruit.
The fresh, local fruit, including cherries, apples, and a variety of berries, was redistributed to community members in need via partnerships with 10 local organizations, including the food bank and schools. A large shipment of fresh apples also reached Bella Bella, extending the harvest’s benefits beyond the valley.
In its first year, cider sales raised $4,000 in support of the BCFA Community Harvest Program, strengthening its operational capacity and resilience, thanks to the dedicated work of our staff, and BCFA’s partnership with Lillooet Cider Company. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge also played a key logistical role in the cider project, helping transport the finished product back to the valley.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of fruit tree owners who signed up their trees for gleaning. As cherry season approaches, BCFA is again inviting fruit tree owners to register their trees.
“If you need help picking or want to donate fruit to the community, we’d love to hear from you,” said Riley Millar, gleaning coordinator and BCFA board member. “Every registered tree helps reduce waste, increase food access, and lower bear conflict.”
Following the celebration of BCFA’s 25th anniversary last year, the organization continues to build on its legacy of running programs whose success rely on a true community effort, made possible by fruit tree owners, funders, staff and volunteers. To learn more about the BCFA’s wide-ranging initiatives, the community is invited to attend the BCFA Annual General Meeting on June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Quonset Hut, Lobelco Hall (Snuqaax).
“We’re excited to present how each of our programs did last year, including the Bella Coola Farmers’ Market, Cooking Together classes, the Seed Library, seed and plant sharing events, and the ever-popular Zucchini Race.” said Cornelia Laros, Chair of the BCFA. “The AGM is a great opportunity for members to help shape the future of our organization, especially as we are submitting a special resolution to adopt updated bylaws this year.”
For more information about the AGM, bylaw special resolution, the Community Harvest program or to register your fruit trees for the Community Harvest, visit bellacoolafoodshed.org
