Optimism abounds in the Northwest as the cherry shipping season has arrived. Favorable weather has growers and shippers ready for a good start, followed by heavy shipments.
Orchard View Cherries of Dalles, OR is looking to a promising season and is expected to kick things off on June 12.
With more than a century of expertise growing cherries on the banks of Oregon’s Columbia River, Orchard View is forecasting excellent quality, consistent large sizing and mature sugars, and a 30% increase in volume over last year.
“This season is progressing beautifully,” shared Brenda Thomas, president of Orchard View. “Our trees came through a mild winter looking strong, and after an exceptional pollination period, they’re now bursting with more cherries than we saw in 2024. We’re thrilled to be entering this season with moderate conditions that are ideal for producing high-quality fruit.”
With promotable volumes beginning the last week of June, ample supply will be ready for July 4 celebrations and continue through the season. The team expects a smooth transition from California to Northwest fruit, ensuring uninterrupted availability for retailers and consumers during the peak summer season.
The company focuses exclusively on cherries, with over 90% of fruit shipped raised on the 3,500 acres it grows on. Each variety — Chelan, Bing, Kordia, Rainier, Lapins, Regina, Skeena and Sweetheart — is carefully matched to its optimal microclimate and elevation for peak performance.
Early Northwest cherry estimates project a larger cherry crop this season, about 24.5 million boxes, which is about 28% higher than last year. This is up from last year’s 19 million boxes.
Some young cherry plantings in the Pacific Northwest have started to produce, which adds to overall supply.
Chelan Fresh Marketing of Chelan, WA expects to have about 10 percent more cherries this season.
CMI Orchards of Wenachee, WA expresses similar optimism.
A few cherries started in the Pacific Northwest around June 1 and it will be late June for British Columbia cherries.
Peak shipments will be the week of June 23 and the week of July 14. There will be ample loadings occurring from mid-June through at least mid-August.
Loadings ahead of the Fourth of July holiday is another time for good volume.
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