News Summary

California cherry growers are facing a challenging 2025 season as inconsistent spring weather and previous heavy production years predict a significant drop in yield. With early varieties expected to start harvesting by late April, production numbers point to a decline, especially for the Coral and Bing varieties. Growers anticipate shipments may struggle to reach 8 million cartons, affecting both local markets and export opportunities. Advanced packing technologies are being employed to manage these changes, but the introduction of new varieties may further complicate consumer purchasing patterns. Despite the challenges, demand for cherries remains high.

California Cherry Production Takes a Hit in 2025

As the vibrant cherry blossoms begin to fade, cherry growers in California are bracing for a season that’s looking less than rosy. The beautiful state, often celebrated for its sweet and juicy cherries, is facing challenges that may lead to lower production than what we’ve seen in recent years. With spring weather proving to be anything but consistent and two consecutive years of heavy production, 2025’s crop is on track to deliver a smaller bounty.

When to Expect the First Batches

So, when can cherry enthusiasts get their first taste? Well, pickers are expected to start harvesting early varieties by the end of April. The Tioga variety, known for its delicious flavor, will be the first to hit the crates, with expectations that the overall volume will ramp up around the second week of May. But here’s the catch: the peak cherry volumes may be delayed, possibly pushing it into the third week of May. This timing hiccup could impact Memorial Day promotions, particularly in the Eastern and Midwestern markets that look forward to celebrating with one of summer’s sweetest treats.

Production Numbers Paint a Gloomy Picture

This year’s production numbers are projected to fall short of the average of 9.8 million cartons that the state has enjoyed over the past two seasons. The central San Joaquin Valley, a major cherry-producing area, is bracing for some tough news regarding the Coral variety, which is expected to see a yield reduction of 20-30%. Reports indicate that this year, growers might only gather about 3 tonnes of fruit per acre, a significant drop from last year’s 5 tonnes.

The Bing variety, long appreciated for its deep color and rich taste, is also feeling the pinch. The bloom conditions this season have been far from ideal, leading to predictions that only about 1 million cartons will be shipped, which is a stark decline from the 2 million cartons shipped last season. With Coral being a favorite among orchardists for its resilience and higher yields, it’s ironic that both the Coral and Bing varieties are facing production struggles this year. All signs suggest that total shipments might struggle to reach 8 million cartons.

What Lies Ahead For the Cherry Season

The cherry season is projected to wrap up around mid-June, offering minimal overlap with cherries from the Pacific Northwest. Washington’s cherry districts hope to kick off their harvesting the first week of June, eyeing a larger crop if the weather plays nice.

Concerns Beyond Production

Export opportunities for California cherries may also be dialing down this year. Concerns over tariffs, fluctuating exchange rates, and a strong US dollar impacting shipping costs are making the international market a tricky landscape for growers. While cherry demand remains high, retailers and farmers may need to adjust their pricing strategies to fit the lighter crop and rising production costs. To keep cherry lovers coming back for more, timely promotions will be key throughout the cherry season.

Keeping Up with the Changes

In a bid to manage this unpredictable landscape, companies like King Fresh Produce LLC are utilizing advanced packing technology to streamline production and enhance efficiency. Additionally, J&M Farms is facing hurdles with the early varieties due to inconsistent blooming weather, which could mean a potential one-week delay in the cherry season’s start.

New Varieties vs. Consumer Comfort

Finally, the introduction of new early cherry varieties might create some confusion among consumers, impacting repeat purchases and jeopardizing market stability. As we all gear up for the cherry season, what’s clear is that while the cherries may be fewer this year, the excitement and demand for these delightful fruits remain as strong as ever.

California Cherry Production Takes a Hit in 2025

News Summary