Canada: BC expecting large cherry crop

British Columbian cherry growers have high expectations for this year's cherry crop, saying it should be twice as high in value as it was in 2010 and 2011.

"This is great news for growers," said Chris Pollock, marketing manager for B.C. Tree Fruits, a consortium of 550 Okanagan Valley orchardists. "This is certainly the best year we’ve had in the last five. I’m not sure it’s a record, but it’s very good."

The weather was good during the blossoming period, leading to an estimated yield of 11 million kg - 24 million pounds. This is 25% more fruit than in the last two years and is expected to fetch around double the five year average price of $22 million.

This will place cherries amongst the state's top fruit sellers, rivalling last year's grapes, at $39 million, cranberries at 37.5 million and apples, at 37.8 million.

British Columbia exports two thirds of its cherries to various destinations, mainly the US, but also to growing markets in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Source: vancouversun.com