Spring weather conditions accelerated fruit development and brought late-ripening varieties forward in several growing areas, resulting in an earlier-than-usual campaign.
“While the season is still in its early stages, growers are seeing high-quality fruit with excellent size as orchards continue to develop under favorable weather conditions,” the organization said in a statement.
After being revised downward from 21.5 million boxes, current estimates remain between 18.4 and 19.2 million boxes, figures that are in line with the five-year average for the region.
The calendar favors the Northwest harvest
The industry anticipates the first major shipping peak between June 18 and 25 (weeks 25 and 26), followed by another significant shipping window during the second week of July.
“This calendar is expected to provide retailers with multiple opportunities to run high-impact cherry promotions during the summer sales,” the statement said.
Growers have avoided significant weather disruptions in recent weeks, allowing orchards to steadily progress toward peak production.
A fresh boost from California
The California cherry season, which typically gains momentum before the Northwest sales window, appears to be winding down faster than expected.
According to Northwest Cherries, California growers have shipped more than five million 8-kilogram equivalent boxes, exceeding initial projections of four to five million boxes for the season.
Daily shipments decreased by about 100,000 boxes between May 22 and 24, reflecting an adjustment in supply from the state’s growing regions.
With limited overlap between California and Northwest supply, this transition could create opportunities for retailers to maintain shelf space and promotional activity throughout the summer season, Northwest Cherries noted.
“This transition presents a significant opportunity to sustain category momentum through targeted promotions, support for premium pricing, and continued consumer enthusiasm as fresh Northwest cherries enter the market,” the harvest report emphasized.
Source: Portal Frutícola
