Representative body Northwest Cherry Growers says the industry is on track to better its fourth round crop estimate of 25m cartons.
Following reports the sector had reached its“second peak” last week, Northwest Cherry Growers confirmed 21.7m cartons (9.1kg) had been shipped as of 27 July.
An average 512,240 cartons have been packed per day over July, a record rate for the industry, with estimates suggesting growers have harvested three quarters of this year's crop.
“Cherry quality in the box is finishing on a high note, as size and pressure are peaking for the season,” a release from Northwest Cherry Growers explained.
Close to 35 per cent of Northwest shipments have gone to export markets, meaning the export segment has gone up proportionately to the large crop.
Over 32,000 cartons were shipped to the Australian market over the past week, bringing the total to 145,000 cartons for the season to 29 July. Comparatively, 127,000 cartons were sent to Australia over the same number of days (47) last year.
Northwest Cherry Growers is also highlighting the work being done in Asian markets, with a press conference held at SeaTac Airport last week to promote the Cherry Express airfreight service headed for China.
