The supply of cherries out of the Pacific Northwest looks to be up over 2024. "Our supply looks great," says Cat Gipe-Stewart, director of marketing at Superfresh Growers®, adding that the company accounts for about 17 percent of the Northwest cherry crop. "They are juicy, full of color, and full of flavor, everything that Pacific Northwest cherries are known for. We have sufficient inventory to supply our retail partners without gaps through August."
© Superfresh
A bin of freshly harvested dark, sweet cherries.
For the grower-shipper, the season starts in early-growing spots like Mattawa and the Tri-Cities. It then continues through the summer with high-elevation orchards in Yakima Valley and La Grande, Oregon–regions which sometimes through August. Its highest orchard is over 3,500 feet above sea level, providing the latest harvest in the region. Additionally, its orchards in Flathead Lake, Montana, also provide a late-season specialty crop that consumers love. This region has had a mild summer with cool nights and sunny days, which has allowed for a steady picking pace.
"This spread across growing regions gives us a nicely staggered harvest and a solid 90+ day cherry season. That long run means we can keep cherries flowing and quality high from start to finish," says Gipe-Stewart, adding that this year's timing was as expected with the first picking day on June 2.
Good growing conditions
This crop follows a mild spring generally in the region, with favorable conditions leading into harvest—aside from a few isolated weather events. "As temperatures warmed, we strategically thinned the crop to promote accelerated cell growth, a technique that paid off in both fruit size and quality," she says.
© SuperfreshChecking a bin of Rainier cherries.
In turn, this season is seeing a particularly good supply of large cherries, which are suitable for the company's Super Cherry™ line—in essence, the biggest cherries on the tree. Available in pouch bags and clamshells, these cherries feature a premium selection of jumbo Dark Sweet and Rainier cherries and are built to help boost retailers' everyday cherry programs with fruit that's not only extra large but also extra juicy and flavorful.
In fact, strong sizing and quality overall have also positioned the company well for export programs across Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
As for varietal plantings that help ensure a steady supply, for Superfresh Growers, this includes Black Pearl, Coral, and Skeena, as well as its proprietary variety, which is one of the last to harvest, typically in mid-to-late August.
Expectations for holiday movement
Following strong demand for cherries–momentum that growers and shippers hope will continue into August–this leaves pricing at levels that allow for extensive promotions and solid retail sales this month and into August.
© SuperfreshRainier cherries on the tree.
"Looking at retail data from late May, when the California season was winding down and Memorial Day promotions were in full swing, cherry prices ranged from $2.99 to $5.99 per pound, with $2.99 per pound as the dominant promotional price," says Gipe-Stewart. "As Northwest cherries entered the market in early June, pricing firmed slightly, ranging from $3.99 to $6.99 per pound. Mid-June saw promotional prices generally hold in the $2.99 to $5.99 range, depending on promotional activity. While some discount banners dropped prices to $1.99 per pound or below, pricing under $2.99 remains extremely rare."
Heading into the July Fourth supply peak and key promotional window, Superfresh Growers is recommending an everyday price of $3.99 per pound, with a promotional price of $2.99. "These price points have consistently driven strong volume, while also covering production costs and supporting retail margins," she says.
Varieties are also factoring into this. The industry has been divesting in Bings for the past 10+ years, due to lower yields, and planting higher-yielding varieties such as Corals and Black Pearls. "These latter varieties are finally in full prime, allowing a healthy amount of fruit at the key selling window, capturing Fourth of July and Canada Day sales," says Gipe-Stewart. "With holiday promo pricing and this ideal supply of high-quality fruit converging at an ideal time, it will be exciting to see the results. We hope that leads to record sales while maintaining a healthy FOB."
Looking ahead, the grower-shipper expects to continue shipping good volumes through July and into August, building off the Fourth of July momentum that is expected. "Peak season is here for both Dark Sweet and Rainier, meaning it's the perfect time for retailers to run cherry promotions and create eye-catching displays, encouraging that impulse purchase," adds Gipe-Stewart.
For more information:
Catherine Gipe-Stewart
Superfresh Growers
Tel: +1 (509) 966-1814
[email protected]
www.superfreshgrowers.com
