News Summary

California’s cherry production is expected to dip below the average in 2025 due to erratic weather and high production in previous years. Early cherry picking will begin in late April, with possible delays affecting peak harvest times. The Coral and Bing varieties are projected to see significant reductions in yield, with total shipments potentially falling under 8 million cartons. Amid these challenges, companies are innovating, but export hurdles loom due to tariffs and a strong US dollar. Retailers may need to adjust prices as the cherry season approaches.

Cherry Update: California’s Sweet Crop Set for a Bumpy Ride in 2025

As cherry lovers eagerly await the arrival of the freshest cherries from sunny California, the news isn’t all sweet this year. Amidst the backdrop of beautiful spring, erratic weather patterns and two back-to-back years of heavy production are poised to deliver a below average cherry production for 2025.

What’s Happening with the Cherry Crop?

So, what can we expect this season? Well, for starters, the picking of early cherry varieties is anticipated to kick off around the end of April, with the Tioga variety leading the charge. However, as we delve further into May, an interesting twist unfolds. Industry insiders are predicting that the peak volumes of cherries might be delayed until the third week of May, which could have a ripple effect on Memorial Day promotions, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern markets.

Production Numbers Take a Hit

California’s cherry producers are anticipating a struggle this year, with predictions suggesting production will fall significantly below the average of 9.8 million cartons seen in the last two seasons. The Coral variety, once the darling of the orchard due to its resilience and yield, is expected to take a hard hit with a potential 20-30% reduction in yield. Reports indicate a drop from 5 tonnes per acre last year to a mere 3 tonnes this season.

Also feeling the pinch is the beloved Bing variety. With poor blooming conditions this spring, shipments are projected to dip to around 1 million cartons, compared to the 2 million shipped last season. The overall sentiment is clear; both Coral and Bing varieties are struggling. Total shipments might even fall short of touching 8 million cartons this year.

The Road Ahead

The cherry season is expected to wrap things up by mid-June, but hold on — there’s unlikely to be much overlap with cherries from the Pacific Northwest. Washington’s early districts are gearing up and are slated to start picking around the first week of June, setting up the potential for a larger crop provided Mother Nature cooperates!

Export Challenges Loom

If the tough domestic production numbers weren’t enough, California is also facing challenges on the export front. Concerns over tariffs, exchange rates, and the strong US dollar could all pose hurdles for sales in Asia this year. With these challenges, exporters may find that getting those cherries on international shelves could be trickier than expected.

Innovations on the Rise

Amidst the anticipated lighter supply, some companies are stepping up their game. King Fresh Produce LLC is adopting advanced packing technology aimed at enhancing production and efficiency, proving that innovation is key in tough times. On another front, J&M Farms reports that early varieties are dealing with the fallout from inconsistent blooming weather, which could result in a potential delay of roughly a week for the cherry season overall.

Demand Stays Strong but Prices Might Waver

Across the board, demand for cherries remains robust, but with production costs on the rise and the crop hitting below average, retailers may need to consider making some pricing adjustments. To keep the cherry passion alive this season, it’s suggested that retailers run timely promotions to maintain healthy sales.

As we look into the future, the introduction of new early cherry varieties could create some confusion among consumers, possibly affecting repeat purchases and market stability. Cherry enthusiasts will need to stay tuned as the season unfolds, hoping for a delightful cherry experience despite the challenges that lie ahead.

As we gear up for the cherry season, let’s keep our fingers crossed for sunshine, steady harvests, and of course, the sweet taste of California cherries!