In addition to starting earlier than normal, this year's cherry harvest in Washington has been light. But the latter part of June promises bigger volumes when the Bing crop ramps up.
“Although volume has been light, the first week was actually heavier than anticipated,” noted John Onstad with Sage Fruit in Yakima, Washington. “We anticipated being light to start off, but the Chelans came on heavier than anticipated that first week.” Next week will bring Bings that Onstad believes didn't have as good a set as they had hoped for, so volumes could dip.
“As we look ahead to next week, the lightness should provide some support to what has been a falling market,” he noted. Prices were strong to start off the season, though they have come down since. Onstad estimates it will be around the third week in June when both supplies and prices reach a steady plane.
“We'll have good numbers around June 20,” he said. “Then we'll wrap up a week or two sooner than normal, which will be about the end of July.”
For more information:
John Onstad
Sage Fruit
+1 509 248 5828