The biggest cherries on the tree are destined to be more than the pop-in-your-mouth variety. Dark Sweet and Rainier cherries will be packed and available throughout the summer season, depending on harvest location. Expectations for 2018’s season are very good from cherry ranches in the Northwest.
Domex Superfresh Growers is offering Two-Bite Cherries once again. New this year, both are available in organic. “Organic sales continue to be a huge driver in the produce section,” says Catherine Gipe-Stewart. “If organic produce was removed from their respective categories (cherries, pears, citrus, etc.), and viewed as a separate category, it would capture the number one spot in the produce department,” she says, according to the Nielsen Perishables Group (12/30/17).
It’s still early, but they’re very optimistic about the 2018 cherry crop. “We’ve had a smooth and gradual transition to spring, which means bloom, and therefore the crop should be temporarily spaced across our growing regions,” she says. “This means we could have a nice, long cherry season.” This also translates to opportunities for retailers’ promotions and extended sales for the entire summer.
Currently, she says the whole cherry harvest (not just Two-Bite Cherries) will run from early June to the end of August. The crop itself looks to be similar to 2016, with about 20-22 million boxes. “In terms of fruit sizing, we pruned thoroughly in the off-season. We also continue to invest in varieties that deliver larger fruit, higher volume, better flavor, and more volume at the shoulders of the season,” she says of the Coral Champagne, Sweetheart, Santina and Lapin varieties. “We anticipate a smaller crop than the 2017 record crop, but even larger fruit. This is all true of our Rainier cherries and Organic Dark Sweet and Organic Rainier cherries.”
Gipe-Stewart says cherries appeal to all demographics. “Due to their natural mobility of pouch and clamshells, we see consumers of all ages and demographics (eating) cherries. Two-Bite specifically is targeting the higher-end shopper who is willing to spend a few more dollars on a premium product.” They’ll be sold across North America.
Northwest cherries get larger, sweeter and fresher every year, thanks to thoughtful variety selection and placement, improved horticultural practices, and fast/efficient packing lines. This allows us to turn fruit quickly and deliver optimal shelf life to retailers and consumers.
For more information:
Catherine Gipe-Stewart
Domex Superfresh Growers
Tel: (+1) 509-966-1814