Cherry shipments from the Pacific Northwest are continuing steadily. "So far, the Northwest cherry industry has shipped an average of 500,000 boxes per day," says Cat Gipe-Stewart, marketing director at Superfresh Growers®.
While some grower-shippers in the region have finished their seasons already, Superfresh Growers will see an extended season this year. "We continue to be in the best shape possible. Despite the warmer weather over the last several days, the cooler nighttime temperatures in our high-elevation orchards will allow us to continue supplying retailers well into August," says Gipe-Stewart.
Indeed, the 2024 crop was expected to be 20.9 million boxes–that's up 12 percent over a year ago. The industry continues to pack bigger numbers than what was projected and hit a peak the week of July 9th, with overall volume continuing to look higher than the five-year average.
On varieties, Gipe-Stewart says its late-season Dark Sweet cherries look good, and are big and delicious. "We are still expecting steady volumes for our Dark Sweet cherries as we plan to continue packing through most of August," she says.
PNW timing
In terms of timing of the season, while it began on par with the five-year average start time, the cooler weather at the start of the year delayed the start date, bringing it in line with previous years. "The moderate temperatures have ensured a steady picking flow across all our orchards, allowing us to extend our harvest well into August," says Gipe-Stewart.
For Superfresh Growers, its growing regions are located in Oregon and Washington. "During the winter months, some high-elevation orchards were hit by subzero temperatures that affected the late-season cherries," says Gipe-Stewart. "However, because of our strategically placed orchards, we were fortunate to avoid widespread losses and still have plenty of late-season fruit available. The weather has been warming up, which couldn't be more perfect timing. We are more than halfway through the season, our late cherries are preparing to mature into deliciously juicy cherries that will soon be ready for picking."
Other regions producing cherries right now are Turkey and Canada on imports while domestically, some Western and Midwestern states have regional volume.
Strong cherry demand
As for the demand for cherries, it is high. "The market is tightening as many suppliers finish their crops for the year," says Gipe-Stewart. "As in any year, in anticipation of the July 4th holiday, retailers have built a hearty supply of cherries, which slowed state movement for a few days. However, sales are picking back up and movement has returned to a steady pace."
At the same time, Superfresh Growers anticipates that cherry consumption generally will continue to remain steady–with quality and flavor continuing to be the key factors influencing purchases by consumers. She also notes that its main consumers are expected to stay consistent: namely, educated homeowners in two-person households with annual incomes between $100,000 and $150,000. Currently, its primary consumers are aged 55 and older, but as younger generations age, she says they too will fall into this category.
Looking ahead, Gipe-Stewart has high expectations for the coming weeks when Superfresh Growers will continue to have steady volumes to pack well into August.
For more information:
Catherine Gipe-Stewart
Superfresh Growers
Tel: +1 (509) 966-1814
[email protected]
www.superfreshgrowers.com