British Columbia (B.C.) growers and shippers are welcoming a plentiful supply of cherries from the province this season. "It's the exact opposite of last year, when we had no crop. This year is a full, full crop," says Gagan Grewal of HG Produce in Abbotsford, B.C.
© HG Produce
Cherries have been picking and packing in the province for a few weeks now, and Grewal anticipates the supply to pick up even more in the next few weeks. "The crop was also on time this year," he says. "July will be really busy with cherries, and then in August, it gets harder to find them–we have to find them from higher elevation orchards. We usually have cherries until the end of August."
In terms of varieties, B.C. was shipping Bing cherries at the start of the season, and that variety is finished. Tietons have also been picked, and B.C. is now largely shipping the Lapin variety of cherries–a larger-sized, sweet variety that is a consumer favourite. Following this will be later varieties such as Staccato cherries, another popular variety that's firm and sweet.
© HG Produce
Little vs. big cherry demand
As for demand, it's strong for the popular fruit that many still see as a largely seasonal item. "There's a lot of demand for big cherries while not a lot of demand for little cherries," says Grewal. "Little cherries are cheaper right now and are being put on promotion. I think it will stay that way because there are so many small cherries, and the only option left is to put them on for cheaper at the grocery store."
Pricing is on the lower side, and this could last through July. In August, when supply tightens, pricing is anticipated to strengthen.
© HG Produce
Meanwhile, other stone fruit have started harvesting in B.C. Apricots have just begun, and freestone peaches will begin in a few weeks, as will prune plums. "The crop looks pretty good, and it looks like an average year for all of the stone fruit," says Grewal, adding that the tighter supply of B.C. stone fruit as the season gets started is keeping pricing higher. "Over the next few weeks, we think that will come back down to its usual pricing."
This crop is starting on time and will continue to be harvested until September.
For more information:
Gagan Grewal
HG Produce
Tel: +1 (604) 832-0945
[email protected]
https://hgproduceltd.com/
