After a catastrophic 2024 cherry season, British Columbia (B.C.) growers and packers are looking forward to what will hopefully be a normal season. "We experienced idyllic weather conditions through winter with optimum chilling hours," says Ricky Chong of World Fresh Exports. Winter was followed by cool spring temperatures conducive to excellent cherry quality. "As a result, we are expecting record volumes in 2025 with production volume estimated at 5 million 20 lb. cartons. After five years of unusual weather patterns caused by El Niño/La Niña, this looks to be a much-needed normal season."
B.C. cherry growers are counting down to harvest with less than four weeks until the earliest varieties in the Southern Okanagan Valley will come off the trees. "We are projecting a June 10 harvest start in Osoyoos in the south, kicked off by the Tieton, Sylvia, Santina, and Cristalina varieties," said Chong. Harvest will continue through late August or early September in a region 170 kilometers north, in Vernon. The late cherry varieties include Skeena, Lapin, Kootney, Regina, Sweetheart, Sovereign, Sentennial, and Staccato.
Domestic and export demand
Canadian retailers are projecting unusually strong demand for B.C. grown cherries due to the anti-Trump backlash. "Canadian consumers are supporting their farmers and the "locally grown" movement." In addition, Chong is witnessing strong export demand this season, especially from China due to high tax rates on cherries imported from the U.S." Currently, the tax rate for U.S. cherries amounts to approximately 54 percent. A delegation of many of the largest Chinese importers will be visiting B.C. next month, followed by visits from Korea and Japan. Europe and the Middle East are anticipated to place pressure on late cherry supplies as Turkish and Greek cherry volumes have been affected by cold temperatures this past spring.
World Fresh has been able to increase their cherry volumes this season after the demise of BC Tree Fruits (BCTF) last fall. "We want to support many of these former BCTF growers and avoid potential losses," mentioned Chong. In addition, the company has strengthened its Canadian domestic cherry program by offering pouch bags, clamshells and 1 kg. wooden gift boxes. "While we expect very strong demand, different packaging options will keep movement steady throughout the season and will help with any oversupply situations."
12-month supply
In an effort to extend the season and guarantee optimum quality upon arrival, World Fresh will be performing test trials on modified-atmosphere containers this summer. "The technology will allow us to store cherries for 30 to 60 days and manage the crop more efficiently by avoiding oversupply situations. In addition, modified atmosphere will extend the Canadian cherry season with overseas arrivals into October. This is a very exciting development for us, and we expect to implement this technology worldwide and ultimately offer a 12-month supply of fresh cherries."
For more information:
Ricky Chong
World Fresh Exports Inc.
Tel: +1.403.616.1977
[email protected]
www.cherries.global