About

Summerland Sweets

In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, liberal sunshine and warm weather give us delicious tree and vine ripened fruit abundant in natural flavour – fruit which provides our company with the means to make our jams, syrups, fruit leathers, and candies.

Summerland Agricultural Research Center

History of Summerland Sweets

Our first product, fruit jelly candies, were developed by our founder Ted Atkinson at the Federal Agricultural Research Station in Summerland (pictured above) 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.

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 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 and is still run by Ted's family to this day.

Come and Visit Us in the Okanagan

Today we have a full range of fruit based products including pancake syrups, gourmet jams, nut brittles, and many gift packages. Summerland Sweets is also home to Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery which began operations in 2008.

Stop in to indulge in an ice cream cone while you’re here. You will want to spend some time browsing in our store as it features some beautiful local artwork and pottery, and a fabulous lineup of housewares, in addition to our regular products. Our Curated Gallery will give you an idea of what you might expect in our country store.

Summerland Smoke Shack 

In the summer of 2022, Summerland Sweets had the pleasure of partnering with Summerland Smoke Shack, a local food truck serving up some of the best barbecue in the valley! 

Summerland Smoke Shack are closed for the season but will be returning in May of 2024! Check back for updates.

Can't visit and wondering where you can find our jams and syrups?

Our products are available from a number of businesses across Canada. Take a look at our list of Canadian retailers to find one near you!