Some of the first US cherries of the season were flown into the UK this week, a week earlier than usual.
Sharrocks Fresh Produce imported the first Glenred from California grower Steve Murray, at Warmerdam Packing.
The consignment of 270 5kg cases landed at Heathrow on Tuesday and were cleared by Perishable Movements Ltd, before being transported to the Preston-based importer.
The product is making a high £6 a lb.
The arrivals have been selling well to customers across the UK, in particular upmarket retailer Booths, in Preston.
Brian Eastham, managing director at Sharrocks Fresh Produce, told FPJ on Wednesday: “Demand has been good this morning because everyone has been waiting for cherries, and there have been none on the market.
“People recognize the quality of the California cherry as a perfect product, and the price will drop gradually when more product arrives.
“Japan was the first country to get US cherry shipments and the UK was the second. From now on, we will be getting two shipments a week right through the season, ending in Canada.
“We are marketing them as a premium variety,” he added.
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