Located in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Pedro’s Farm Market has been a trusted destination for fresh fruit, local produce, and family farming for generations. While the market itself has become a well-known landmark in the community, its story began long before the Pedro’s name, with the Ruth family’s dedication to orchard farming dating back to the 1940s.
Following the Second World War, Don Ruth returned home to Salmon Arm with his wife, Lilian, determined to build a future through agriculture. Together, they established their first orchard, growing apples, cherries, pears, and prune plums while focusing on producing high-quality fruit at fair prices. Their commitment to quality quickly earned the trust of the local community and laid the foundation for a family farming legacy that would continue for decades.
As the orchard grew, so did the family business. In the early years, the Ruths built an underground Root House to store and sell their fruit, allowing them to keep their apples fresh throughout the seasons. By 1958, the business evolved into the Totem Pole Fruit Stand along the highway, where Don and Lilian’s sons, Robin and Derek, began learning the family trade. Over the following years, the family expanded their orchards, introduced a garden centre, and continued growing their presence throughout the Salmon Arm area.
In the mid-1980s, the family opened Pedro’s Fruit and Garden Market, creating the destination that visitors know today. The larger location allowed the business to expand its selection of fresh produce, plants, and gardening products while continuing the family’s tradition of supporting local agriculture. Even after a devastating fire destroyed the main storefront in 2013, the Ruth family remained committed to serving the community, rebuilding the market and reopening an even larger facility the following year.
Today, Pedro’s Farm Market continues to be owned and operated by the Ruth family, with new generations carrying forward the values that have guided the business for more than 80 years. From locally grown fruit and vegetables to garden supplies and seasonal products, Pedro’s remains a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors looking to experience the best of the Shuswap’s agricultural community.
Visit their website to learn more about Pedro’s Farm Market and plan your visit.
If you enjoyed learning about Pedro’s Farm Market, be sure to explore our other blog posts featuring successful farms and growing ventures across British Columbia.