Across Rivermaid's growing regions, the 2026 California cherry crop is developing ahead of historical timing and is expected to exceed 2025 volumes.
Conditions throughout bloom and early fruit development have been seasonally warmer than normal, advancing crop timing across all districts. The season has progressed under atypical conditions thus far, and the full impact of this early advancement will continue to take shape as harvest approaches.
© Rivermaid
A closer look at the Coral variety.
At this stage, development remains consistent with current timing expectations. Early indications suggest a generally balanced set across most varieties in the early district. The company anticipates an overall clean crop and continues its commitment to minimum brix standards that will drive repeat purchases.
Harvest is expected to begin around April 15th. Volume will build modestly through the latter half of April, with the Coral variety coming on in early May. This will be followed by a more accelerated increase in volume as multiple varieties come into harvest across districts. This multi-district harvest is expected to create meaningful early-season volume, aligning with early May demand, including the Mother's Day promotion window.
Peak loading volumes are expected in the early teens of May, aligning perfectly with Memorial Day ad pulls. Current projections point to one of the strongest Memorial Day opportunities in recent years. Following Memorial Day, shipments are expected to see a steady decline through the balance of the season.
In the early district, expectations are for:
- Royal Hazels, Royal Lynn, : 3/30/26, Kingsburg, CA
- Royal Lynn: 3/30/26, Fresno, CA
- Royal Hazels: 3/30/26, Patterson, CA
© Rivermaid
L: Royal Hazels; R: Royal Lynn cherries
In the late district, expectations are for:
- Corals: 3/30/26, Stockton, CA and Lodi, CA
- Royal Hazels: 3/30/26, Lodi, CA
- Bing: 3/30/26, Walnut Grove, CA
While overall crop conditions remain conducive to promotable volumes, some variability in set has been observed across select varieties and districts, likely influenced by the warmer bloom period. These variabilities, combined with a more compressed and earlier harvest window, will likely lead to a sharper decline in industry volume following Memorial Day. Additional pressure from frost events in the Northwest could contribute to a supply dip following the Memorial Day holiday.
The company is optimistic about the season ahead and is committed to supporting growers and customer partners with consistent execution and transparency as the crop continues to develop.
For more information:
Rivermaid
Tel: +1 (209) 369-3586
https://www.rivermaid.com/
