The original 'Summerland Sweets' sign
Our first product, fruit jelly candies, were developed by our founder Ted Atkinson at the Federal Agricultural Research Station in Summerland, where Ted was the head of the food processing lab for many years.
Mr. F.E. (Ted) Atkinson founded Summerland Sweets in 1962. Ted received a Bachelors Degree in Food Science at Oregon State University in Corvallis in the 1920’s. Throughout his career, he worked at the Federal Agricultural Research Station in Summerland and acted as head of the food processing lab for many years.
Our founder, Ted Atkinson
In the early 60‘s, working out of a pickers’ cabin on his orchard, Ted started producing fruit jelly candies to raise funds for the local Rotary Club. He soon turned to commercial production and what began as a fundraising effort grew into a retirement project and, eventually, blossomed into Summerland Sweets.
Ted’s success was due to his dedication to quality. He believed in using only top quality tree and vine ripened fruit picked at the peak of maturity. The fruit was then processed quickly to capture maximum flavour and maintain fruit colour.
Since its modest beginnings, the business has grown considerably, with the addition of their Country Gift Store and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery. Summerland Sweets is still run by Ted's family to this day.
Ted in his cherry orchard
Early photos of the orchard (and future site of Summerland Sweets) from around 1970
The Kettle Valley Trestle Bridge