11% increase on Northwest cherry shipments compared to last year

Through Sunday, July 12th, the Northwest cherry industry shipped 17.5 million 20-pound boxes of fruit. That’s 11% more than the industry’s previous shipment high by the 12th (2014-15.8 million), and 141% more than the 15-year industry average of 7.2 million boxes by the same date. "We have harvested most of the Rainier crop, with just a few growers left in the latest areas with small volumes." The total Rainier crop will likely finish near 1.7 million 15-pound boxes, or 300,000 less than the Round 3 estimate. This is largely supposed to be a factor or early season wind and rain during critical windows.

Cherry quality in the box continues to be high, with firmness and flavors driving repeat purchases. Displays are key for the fruit to draw impulse sales! Harvest has transitioned to the late varieties and the latest of districts, with shipment momentum expected to carry us through the weekend. Some growers predict they’ll be pulling small volumes from the orchards for another 30 days, but now is the last chance to make a big push for the 2015 cherry season.

Purchase records show that 17% of cherry buyers each year don’t make their first purchase until the Northwest late season. "Their trigger is a countdown notice - letting them know that the time to squeeze the last bit of summer out of Northwest cherries is now."

Research studies showed on other large-volume crops similar to 2015, the difference in dollar sales between a top and bottom performing retailer during the last 5 weeks of the season equaled an average of $1.2 million dollars for a 100-store chain.

Please click here to download or read the NWCG Weekly Crop Update #6 report in its entirety.