In contrast to Ontario, British Columbia’s cherry production is going strong, with big volumes starting this weekend despite a dip in ideal weather about two weeks ago.
“We’re projecting that the crop is down a third from original estimates at the beginning of June. Fruit quality looks really good,” said Rick Chong of Sutherland S.A. Produce Inc. “Because of the cool weather we’re seeing high brix on the cherries and really good sizing – the average sizing right now would be about a nine-row cherry.” Cherry varieties include export varieties Tieton, Chelan, Cristalina, Santina, Skeena, Rainier, Sylvia, Lapins, Sweetheart, Staccato, Sovereign, Sentennial, and Kordia.
On Canada’s west coast, prices are higher than some American growers; British Columbian cherries are seeing between $5.00 $8.00 per carton above Washington, however Chong said prices are down overall since last year. “Maybe $5US per box for a 5 kilo,” said Chong. To make up for the current lower price over last year, Sutherland has begun packing sea containers bound for Shanghai much earlier. “Typically we’ve had 50 per cent of our fruit by ocean container to China and Taiwan but we normally don’t start ocean shipping early in the season. Normally we’d start around July 10.”
As long as they pack a good product, there’s demand for Sutherland’s Canadian cherries to Asian markets since they seem to prefer a crunchy texture. “Typically, in China and the rest of Asia, they like super crunchy cherries,” said Chong. Local Canadian fruit that doesn’t meet their standards is sent to the Middle East or Europe. “They prefer a sweeter cherry. Because we meet the minimum residue level, it’s a market that’s open to us.”
Also in high demand are Canadian blueberries, which are also just beginning out west. “We’re expecting huge demand from China from now until the Autumn Moon Festival in mid-September,” said Chong. A strong presence at fruit shows in Asia to promote the fruit has paid off. “Just in the last three years China’s had a strong demand for blueberries. It has a lot to do with the marketing.”
For more information:
Rick Chong
Sutherland S.A. Produce Inc.
rick@lapincherry.com