News Release

NIAGARA, ON – July 7, 2026 – Ontario's highly anticipated tender fruit and table grape season is set to arrive a little earlier than last year, bringing consumers a delicious array of locally grown fruit that promises exceptional flavour, quality and freshness.

The season kicks off the week of July 13^th with smaller volumes of Ontario apricots and yellow plums arriving in major grocery stores across the province.

Fresh Ontario peaches and nectarines are anticipated to reach store shelves by the week of July 20^th, and by mid-August, consumers can also enjoy locally grown blue plums, blue grapes and pears, completing Ontario's tender fruit lineup.

While the spring frost adversely affected this year’s cherry crop, growing conditions throughout the early summer months have created ideal circumstances for fruit development in other crops. Adequate rainfall, warm sunny days and cooler overnight temperatures have contributed to excellent sizing and outstanding flavour.

"Mother Nature has been mostly kind this season" said Phil Tregunno, Chair of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. "The combination of timely rainfall, hot days and cooler nights has helped produce fruit with exceptional sweetness, juiciness and size. We're excited to share this year's crop with consumers."

Ontario consumers can also feel good about choosing local.

"When you purchase Ontario-grown fruit, you're getting fruit that has travelled fewer miles from farm to store, which means better freshness and flavour," said Sarah Marshall, Manager of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. "Our growers work incredibly hard to deliver a high-quality crop, and there's a noticeable difference when fruit is harvested close to home and reaches consumers at its peak."

Consumers looking for inspiration can find fresh recipes, seasonal tips and grower stories throughout the summer by following Ontario Tender Fruit Growers on social media at @OntTenderFruit and by visiting www.ontariotenderfruit.ca.

Ontario tender fruit and grapes are only available for a short time, so be sure to enjoy them while they are in season. Shoppers are encouraged to look for the Foodland Ontario logo to know they’ve got Ontario-grown peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes, pears and apricots in their shopping cart. It’s the perfect way to support local farm families and savour the sweet taste of summer.

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About Ontario Tender Fruit Growers

Collectively, the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and the Ontario Fresh Grape Growers represent over 190 grower-members. Located in the Niagara Peninsula and surrounding growing regions, Ontario tender fruit and fresh grape growers are committed to producing high-quality, locally grown fruit for consumers across Canada.

For more information:

Sarah Marshall - sarah@ontariotenderfruit.ca