Our Story

How it all started

The story of our company can be traced back to a little town outside of Lisbon in Portugal. Years ago, our parents (Alvin and Helena), who lived in the same town in Portugal but immigrated separately to Canada, moved to the same area in British Columbia. Back in Portugal, Alvin, Helena, and their families were farmers, so it only seemed fitting to continue farming when they relocated in BC. This was the start of what is now known as Souto Farms. 

We (Steve & Dan Souto) saw a need for fresh, BC fruit in Alberta. Fruit stands were everywhere in BC, but, about 15-20 years ago, farmers' markets were just starting to gain popularity in Alberta. So, we decided to create Steve & Dan's Fresh BC Fruit - a family-owned and operated company dedicated to bringing the fresh fruit grown on Souto Farms, by our parents, to Alberta farmers' markets. 

While Steve & Dan's continues to grow, offering products from Souto Farms and other BC and AB farmers, in 23 markets per week, we still operate as a small, family-run business. We have grown from hard-working farmers selling fruit to a trusted source of BC fruit, vegetables, juice, and snacks at Alberta farmers' markets. 

We recognize customers are becoming increasingly interested in the backstory behind the food they eat. We hope by browsing through our sites, you'll be able to learn more about the products we offer as well as the story behind each individual and farmer who makes Steve & Dan's possible. We love answering questions, so just ask or come for a visit to Oliver B.C., Airdrie or Spruce Grove!

When you bite into a peach, apple, or pear, know you are supporting a family-run Canadian business who works hard every day to ensure you are receiving quality products. Most importantly, we want you to know how much love and respect goes into growing and/or creating our products and the collaborations we form. You are a big part why we can continue supplying fresh, BC fruit to Albertans.

Meet the Family

You can find fruit and vegetables anywhere! But, no other provider can offer what we can: Quality BC produce grown, picked, and sold to you with care. 

Family is a huge part of our business. Steve, Dan, Chris, and Melissa Souto grew up on the family orchard in Oliver, BC. We (Steve & Dan) came out to Alberta to start Steve & Dan's Fresh BC Fruit over 10 years ago. Our siblings, Chris and Melissa now operate Souto Farms in Calgary and southern Alberta. Our parents, Helena and Alvin, continue to grow and pick cherries, peaches, nectarines, and more on the same farm we grew up on. Everything we sell is either from our own farm or from another trusted BC farmer who shares our values. 

We want you to feel good about the food you and your family eat. We want to provide transparency about our products and growing methods. If you have any questions, just ask us! We work hard to grow food for today that won't negatively impact tomorrow. Most of all, we want to provide our community with food knowledge, a sense of community, and delicious products.