Cherry growers in Washington state have had the coolest April on record, putting harvesting dates back by seven to 10 days.
BJ Thurlby, president of industry body Northwest Cherry Growers, said: “We even had some snow while trees were in bloom. The cool weather has taken the crop further and further back, so we will not be reaching our peak until the last few days of June or July 1.”
He added that temperatures had still been hovering around freezing a week ago, before climbing to daytime temperatures in the low 20°Cs earlier this week.
Northwest Cherry Growers had estimated that the crop from the state this season would be some 15 million boxes, but that figure is now more likely to be 12m-13m boxes. “A lot can happen between now and June, but if we harvest a crop of that level, it will still be the fourth or fifth largest crop we have ever had,” said Thurlby.
New cherry plantings in the north-west US have been significant in volume, and this season the entry into production of new acreage will help mitigate any crop losses due to the vagaries of the weather. “I would say if you are an importer or a retailer, focus your efforts on July - that month is going to be good,” added Thurlby.
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