US: Northwest cherry crop update

The 2012 Northwest cherry crop is officially under way, with just over 3 million 20-pound boxes shipped through yesterday. Start-up has been slower this year, due to unseasonal cool weather across the Northwest in late May and June. Weather patterns have created work for growers, but fortunately any inclement weather has been forecasted well in advance, allowing most growers in the particular region to take a wide variety of preventative measures. To date, the most impacted fruit has been the early season varieties in our earlier growing areas. However, total crop damage appears to be minimal. Most varieties and growing regions continue to fare well overall and growers look forward to the coming harvest.

As illustrated in the included charts, there continues to be significant promotional opportunities in July and August as expected. National media campaigns surrounding National Rainier Cherry Day ( July 11th) and a bevy of consumer publications are focusing on the healthy, "Super Fruit" aspect of cherries, which bolsters the "use" factor in consumer purchasing decisions and should increase initial cherry sales. The highquality and flavor of this year’s crop is certain to create repeat purchases,
so maintaining attractive displays in multiple locations will be key to communicating the continued quality and availability of the crop.

For more information:
Northwest Cherry Growers
Tel: +1 509-453-4837
Fax: +1 509-453-4880
[email protected]
www.nwcherries.com