Washington cherry timing closer to 2013 & 2014 crop

The 2017 Washington cherry crop is set to begin harvest about three weeks later than it has each of the past two seasons.

In 2015 and 2016, the Pacific Northwest experienced warmer than normal spring temperatures, which led to late May harvesting of the fruit. However, for this 2017 season, due to cool spring temperatures, and bloom that occurred in mid-April, the cherry harvest will begin in early to mid-June.

“Although it’s a little later than last year, the cherry crop looks good so far,” says Steve Kuebler, of the Yakima, Wa.-based Sage Fruit Co. “It’s still early, but we anticipate a sizeable crop this season, and we’ll likely begin harvesting around the 8th or 9th of June.”

Range of sizes

Kuebler notes that the Washington weather is, in fact, the primary factor in pushing back the harvest dates this season. “It’s too soon to tell exactly how the fruit will size out this year, but is should be similar to last year. There should be a good range of sizes available for our customers,” Kuebler says.

In addition to good sizing for retail partners, bloom from district to district in Washington and Oregon was nicely spread out, which should lead to orderly harvest and consistent supply.

As demand for cherries remains consistent, grocers can anticipate carrying the Northwest crop through late August, he adds.

For more information:
Steve Kuebler
Sage Fruit Co.
Tel: +1-509-494-1978
skuebler@SageFruit.com
www.sagefruit.com