English cherry supplies will wind down at the end of the month after the season started three weeks early this year.
Wholesale prices remain at 150-180p a lb, growers were told last week at an orchard tour for wholesalers and producers organised by Ron Salter at Mount Ephraim Farms, which is owned by Sandys, Lesley and Will Dawes. The fruit has stood up to competition from imported fruit from France, Italy, Spain, Greece and even limited arrivals from Germany.
Salter said: “While East Kent is expected to finish first, West Kent should be able to continue until the end of July if the weather holds.
“The industry is in very good shape and we are now seeing the impact of increased planting. Many orchards are covered and/or netted to protect them from weather and bird damage, so that we are handling far more fruit than six or seven years ago. It includes more and more new varieties combining size, colour and taste.”
The orchard tour attracted some 70 wholesalers and growers, who turned out to discuss the fruit.
